18/02/2026
List of new traffic fines and punishments in Sri Lanka
Fine money and occasional imprisonment are also sentenced for violating traffic and drivers related laws to maintain road safety and discipline in Sri Lanka. Every driver needs to be accurately aware of this.
Below is a simple note of some commonly prescribed major road law violations and fine money or punishments associated with them.
P.S.: As this fine money can be revised frequently according to government official gazette announcements, it is important to always stay mindful of the latest legal information.
1. Mistakes related to essential documents and licenses
It is seriously wrong that a vehicle or driver lack of compulsory documents or their validity expires.
Wrong - Penalty / Punishment
- Driving without valid drivers license - Rs. 10,000.00
- Driving without valid registration - Rs. 10,000.00
- Driving without valid fitness certificate - Rs. 4,000.00
- Driving without insurance - Rs. 20,000.00
- Driving without a license or driver's license - Rs. 2,000.00
- Permission to drive without license or permission - Rs. 15,000.00
- Unable to show a license or drivers license when stopped - Rs. 10,000.00
2. Dangerous and careless driving
Here include the penalties that are set for driving in a way that could cause a road accident.
Wrong - Penalty / Punishment
- Drunk Driving - Minimum Rs. Up from 25,000.00, imprisonment and/or cancellation of drivers license.
- Negligence driving that was not an accident - Rs. 11,000.00
- Vehicle crashed by careless driving - Rs. 25,000.00
- Smoking w**d while driving - Rs. 10,000.00
- Traveling with a person who runs under the influence - Rs. 12,000.00
- Using the car ignoring the terms of the license - Rs. 30,000.00 + 15 days imprisonment
3. Mistakes related to Speed and Forwarding
Exceeding the scheduled speed limits and misleading lead to major road accidents.
Wrong - Penalty / Punishment
- Exceeding the speed limit by 16-32 km/h - Rs. 12,000.00
- Exceeding the speed limit by 33-49 km/h - Rs. 20,000.00
- Exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h or more - Rs. 30,000.00
- Left Front - Rs. 5,000.00
- To move forward in a place where the road is not visible - Rs. 9,000.00
- Don't drive to the left side when driving a vehicle in front - Rs. 5,000.00
- Not allowing other previous vehicles to travel - Rs. 5,000.00
4. Traffic signs and sign breaches
Following road rules and signal is compulsory for all drivers.
Wrong - Penalty / Punishment
- Failure to adapt to traffic signals - Rs. 10,000.00
- Not complying with traffic control signs - Rs. 12,000.00
- Failure to obey traffic signs - Rs. 10,000.00
- Obstruction of vehicle's freeway - Rs. 5,000.00
- Vehicle driving in a way that hurdles the road - Rs. 4,000.00
- Driving backwards more than two vehicles for a turnover - Rs. 3,000.00
- Sounding of the Silent Zones (Silent Zones) - Rs 5,000.00
5. Use of safety devices and technical equipment
Punishment for not using safe devices and using mobile phones while driving.
Wrong - Penalty / Punishment
- Using mobile phone or other electric device among drivers - Rs. 10,000.00
- Using electronic device in driver vision line between drivers - Rs. 10,000.00
- Driving without a seat belt - Rs. 2,000.00
- Traveling with passengers without wearing seat belt - Rs. 2,000.00
- Driving with the wrong number plates - Rs. 10,000.00
- Driving without plates or driving without license - Rs. 5,000.00
Special facts to know
Spot Fine (Spot Fine)
A police officer issues a fine sheet on the spot for many minor mistakes. The fine usually must be paid within 14 days through a post office or online methods such as GovPay. If payment fails in due time, the case will be taken to court.
Suspension of driving license
The court has the power to suspend or completely cancel the drivers license for a certain period when repeating serious mistakes such as drunk driving, high speed and reckless driving.
Responsibility
The final decision and punishment in law enforcement is according to the relevant court decision. Also, accidents can be reduced by not only being aware of traffic laws, but by responsible behaviour on the road.
When driving all you need to focus on is safety and respect law. Hope this information might help you!
