Motor Traffic (Amendment) Act, No. 8 of 2009
Registration, Possession and Use of Motor Vehicles
Section Amendment Penalty
2 Unregistered vehicles cannot be on the road unless on a garage/dealer’s plate or temporary permit and used for testing or registration purposes or removal from the customs only. 1st offence: not less than Rs.2,500 and not exceeding Rs.5,000-
2nd offence: not less than Rs.5,000- and not exceeding Rs.10,000-
3rd or subsequent offence: not less than Rs.10,000 and not exceeding Rs.15,000-
2A (new) Its an offence to use a vehicle that is
• Modified without the approval of the Commissioner-General
• Assembled otherwise than brand new parts
• Mechanically defective
• Fails to comply with prescribed standards
• Stolen
• False identity
• Chassis number tampered with 1st offence: Not less than Rs.50,000- and not exceeding Rs.100,000- or one month imprisonment or both
2nd offence: Not less than Rs.100,000- and not exceeding Rs.200,000- or two months imprisonment or both
3rd or subsequent offence: Not less than Rs.200,000- and not exceeding Rs. 300,000- or six months imprisonment or both
3 No person under the age of 18 years shall be registered as the owner of a motor vehicle
10 Shall inform and obtain approval from the Commissioner General
• If any details of the registration is changed
• Change of class, alterations, external appearance, seating capacity etc.
Not less than Rs. 10,000- but not exceeding Rs. 20,000-
12 A registered owner shall within 14 days inform the Commissioner of the change of possession of the vehicle by filing Form A
New owner cannot use unless has applied for transfer within 14 days after change of possession. The new owner shall retain Forms B1 and C1
Submission of forged documents thereof Not less than Rs. 3,000- but not exceeding Rs. 6,000-
Not less than Rs. 100- for each day after the 14th day up to 44th day of such failure. Exceeding 44 days; not less than Rs. 5,000- and not exceeding Rs. 10,000-
Not less than Rs. 10,000- but not exceeding Rs. 15,000-
Section
Amendment Penalty
18 (5) If a motor vehicle is declared unroardworthy consequent to an accident or other circumstances, the Commissioner-General shall suspend registration
(7) Upon cancellation, the identification plate to be returned to Commissioner-General within 7 days
18 (9) A motor vehicle shall be written off only if:-
• The vehicle has been damaged by collusion, fire, flood, accident, trespass or other event or circumstances
• The insurer or the owner makes a determination that the extent of damage is such that the value of salvage plus the repair cost exceed the market value immediately before the event
(10) An insurer is taken to have made a determination if the insurer:-
• Allows a claim for the full insured value
• Disposes of the vehicle to a 3rd party
(11) A registered owner is taken to have made a determination if he disposes of the vehicle to a wrecker
1st offence: Not less than Rs. 10,000- but not exceeding Rs. 20,000-
2nd or subsequent offence: Not less than Rs. 20,000- but not exceeding Rs. 30,000-
106 (21) No sum shall be payable by an insurer under Section 105 in respect of:
• The plaintiff within 7 days of the commencement of the action has given notice to the insurer with name of the court, case number, names of the parties to the action, insurance policy number, and nature of the action and require the insurer to answer the plaint before a specified date.
• Every notice shall accompany a copy of the plaint
• Insurer shall be a party to such action and shall be entitled to defend
106
112A (new) (22) Where a person transfers to another the ownership of the vehicle together with the insurance, the insurance shall be deemed to have been transferred with effect from that date. Transfer shall include transfer of rights and liabilities.
Transferee shall apply within 44 days from the date of transfer apply to insurer for making the necessary changes.
Section
Amendment Penalty
122 Classification of motor vehicles into 10 types
Driving of specified other classes of vehicles
123 (2) (a) A person who wishes to learn to drive a motor vehicle shall make an application to the Commissioner-General for a Learner Permit and obtain an insurance cover in accordance with Section 99
Light vehicles: 17 years of age or above
Heavy vehicles: 20 years of age or above
132B
(new) Any person who is a visitor to Sri Lanka and possessing a valid international driving licence issued by any Contracting State or States acceded to Vienna Convention, shall be deemed to posses a driving licence to drive the class or classes or vehicles specified in the driving permit
138 (1A) (c) If any person possess more than one driving licence issued by Commissioner-General at any one time or is in the possession of driving licence of another person without lawful authority, shall be guilty of an offence
Not less than Rs. 10,000- and not exceeding Rs. 15,000- and to the confiscation of such licence
138A
(new) Each driving licence holder shall inform the Commissioner-General by registered post or personal delivery, of any changes in his residence and postal address within 30 days of such change and the Commissioner-General shall endorse the changes 1st offence: Not less than Rs. 1,000- and not exceeding Rs. 2,000-
2nd offence: Not less than Rs. 2,000- and not exceeding Rs. 3,000-
3rd or subsequent offence: Not less than Rs. 3,500- and cancellation of the driving licence
155A (new) (1) a person shall be guilty of an offence if the motor vehicle driven by him emits smoke, visible vapour, grit, sparks, ashes, cinder, grease or oil substance which is likely to cause health hazard, injury or annoyance, obscure visibility or cause damage to any road, public place or property.
1st offence: Not less than Rs. 2,000- and not exceeding Rs. 5,000-
2nd or subsequent offence: Not less than Rs. 5,000- and not exceeding Rs. 10,000-
157A (new) Use of seat belts (Regulations to be made) 1st offence: Not less than Rs. 1,000- and not exceeding Rs. 2,000-
2nd offence: Not less than Rs. 2,000- and not exceeding Rs. 3,000-
3rd or subsequent offence: Not less than Rs. 3,500- and cancellation of the driving licence
Section
Amendment Penalty
160 Use of amplifying equipment
Not less than Rs. 3,000- and not exceeding Rs. 5,000-
161 (51) (a) A driver shall forthwith report an accident to the nearest Police Station Not less than Rs. 3,000- and not exceeding Rs. 5,000-
161 (51) (b) The insurer shall inform the officer in charge of the nearest police station of such accident with details regarding the accident, names and addresses of the parties involved in the accident as informed to him by the person making the claim
Not less than Rs. 5,000- and not exceeding Rs. 10,000-
218 Penalty for driving without certificate of insurance or certificate of fitness or emission certificate – contravening Section 99 or Sub-section (5) or (6) of Section 196
Not less than Rs. 5,000- and not exceeding Rs. 25,000- or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month or to both
232E A police officer may detain the driver of a motor vehicle
• Refuses to give his name and address or gives false information
• Involved in an accident resulting in death or grievous injury
• Consumed alcohol or drugs
• In possession of false or forged documents or false number plates
• Forged or altered chassis or engine number
• Possession of a stolen vehicle
232F (2) A police office may detain a motor vehicle
• Driver is unable to produce a valid policy of insurance under Section 99
• Does not posses a valid driving licence
• Belongs to a dealer, repairer or manufacturer who does not hold a respective registration certificate
240 “Accident” means
(a) which occurs or originates on a road, street or any other place open to public traffic
(b) which results in one or more persons being killed or injured or causes damage to property and
(c) in which at least one moving vehicle was involved and includes collusion between vehicles, between vehicles and pedestrians and between vehicles and animals or fixed objects and includes accidents in which one vehicle alone is involved
Registration, Possession and Use of Motor Vehicles
Section Amendment Penalty
2 Unregistered vehicles cannot be on the road unless on a garage/dealer’s plate or temporary permit and used for testing or registration purposes or removal from the customs only. 1st offence: not less than Rs.2,500 and not exceeding Rs.5,000-
2nd offence: not less than Rs.5,000- and not exceeding Rs.10,000-
3rd or subsequent offence: not less than Rs.10,000 and not exceeding Rs.15,000-
2A (new) Its an offence to use a vehicle that is
• Modified without the approval of the Commissioner-General
• Assembled otherwise than brand new parts
• Mechanically defective
• Fails to comply with prescribed standards
• Stolen
• False identity
• Chassis number tampered with 1st offence: Not less than Rs.50,000- and not exceeding Rs.100,000- or one month imprisonment or both
2nd offence: Not less than Rs.100,000- and not exceeding Rs.200,000- or two months imprisonment or both
3rd or subsequent offence: Not less than Rs.200,000- and not exceeding Rs. 300,000- or six months imprisonment or both
3 No person under the age of 18 years shall be registered as the owner of a motor vehicle
10 Shall inform and obtain approval from the Commissioner General
• If any details of the registration is changed
• Change of class, alterations, external appearance, seating capacity etc.
Not less than Rs. 10,000- but not exceeding Rs. 20,000-
12 A registered owner shall within 14 days inform the Commissioner of the change of possession of the vehicle by filing Form A
New owner cannot use unless has applied for transfer within 14 days after change of possession. The new owner shall retain Forms B1 and C1
Submission of forged documents thereof Not less than Rs. 3,000- but not exceeding Rs. 6,000-
Not less than Rs. 100- for each day after the 14th day up to 44th day of such failure. Exceeding 44 days; not less than Rs. 5,000- and not exceeding Rs. 10,000-
Not less than Rs. 10,000- but not exceeding Rs. 15,000-
Section
Amendment Penalty
18 (5) If a motor vehicle is declared unroardworthy consequent to an accident or other circumstances, the Commissioner-General shall suspend registration
(7) Upon cancellation, the identification plate to be returned to Commissioner-General within 7 days
18 (9) A motor vehicle shall be written off only if:-
• The vehicle has been damaged by collusion, fire, flood, accident, trespass or other event or circumstances
• The insurer or the owner makes a determination that the extent of damage is such that the value of salvage plus the repair cost exceed the market value immediately before the event
(10) An insurer is taken to have made a determination if the insurer:-
• Allows a claim for the full insured value
• Disposes of the vehicle to a 3rd party
(11) A registered owner is taken to have made a determination if he disposes of the vehicle to a wrecker
1st offence: Not less than Rs. 10,000- but not exceeding Rs. 20,000-
2nd or subsequent offence: Not less than Rs. 20,000- but not exceeding Rs. 30,000-
106 (21) No sum shall be payable by an insurer under Section 105 in respect of:
• The plaintiff within 7 days of the commencement of the action has given notice to the insurer with name of the court, case number, names of the parties to the action, insurance policy number, and nature of the action and require the insurer to answer the plaint before a specified date.
• Every notice shall accompany a copy of the plaint
• Insurer shall be a party to such action and shall be entitled to defend
106
112A (new) (22) Where a person transfers to another the ownership of the vehicle together with the insurance, the insurance shall be deemed to have been transferred with effect from that date. Transfer shall include transfer of rights and liabilities.
Transferee shall apply within 44 days from the date of transfer apply to insurer for making the necessary changes.
Section
Amendment Penalty
122 Classification of motor vehicles into 10 types
Driving of specified other classes of vehicles
123 (2) (a) A person who wishes to learn to drive a motor vehicle shall make an application to the Commissioner-General for a Learner Permit and obtain an insurance cover in accordance with Section 99
Light vehicles: 17 years of age or above
Heavy vehicles: 20 years of age or above
132B
(new) Any person who is a visitor to Sri Lanka and possessing a valid international driving licence issued by any Contracting State or States acceded to Vienna Convention, shall be deemed to posses a driving licence to drive the class or classes or vehicles specified in the driving permit
138 (1A) (c) If any person possess more than one driving licence issued by Commissioner-General at any one time or is in the possession of driving licence of another person without lawful authority, shall be guilty of an offence
Not less than Rs. 10,000- and not exceeding Rs. 15,000- and to the confiscation of such licence
138A
(new) Each driving licence holder shall inform the Commissioner-General by registered post or personal delivery, of any changes in his residence and postal address within 30 days of such change and the Commissioner-General shall endorse the changes 1st offence: Not less than Rs. 1,000- and not exceeding Rs. 2,000-
2nd offence: Not less than Rs. 2,000- and not exceeding Rs. 3,000-
3rd or subsequent offence: Not less than Rs. 3,500- and cancellation of the driving licence
155A (new) (1) a person shall be guilty of an offence if the motor vehicle driven by him emits smoke, visible vapour, grit, sparks, ashes, cinder, grease or oil substance which is likely to cause health hazard, injury or annoyance, obscure visibility or cause damage to any road, public place or property.
1st offence: Not less than Rs. 2,000- and not exceeding Rs. 5,000-
2nd or subsequent offence: Not less than Rs. 5,000- and not exceeding Rs. 10,000-
157A (new) Use of seat belts (Regulations to be made) 1st offence: Not less than Rs. 1,000- and not exceeding Rs. 2,000-
2nd offence: Not less than Rs. 2,000- and not exceeding Rs. 3,000-
3rd or subsequent offence: Not less than Rs. 3,500- and cancellation of the driving licence
Section
Amendment Penalty
160 Use of amplifying equipment
Not less than Rs. 3,000- and not exceeding Rs. 5,000-
161 (51) (a) A driver shall forthwith report an accident to the nearest Police Station Not less than Rs. 3,000- and not exceeding Rs. 5,000-
161 (51) (b) The insurer shall inform the officer in charge of the nearest police station of such accident with details regarding the accident, names and addresses of the parties involved in the accident as informed to him by the person making the claim
Not less than Rs. 5,000- and not exceeding Rs. 10,000-
218 Penalty for driving without certificate of insurance or certificate of fitness or emission certificate – contravening Section 99 or Sub-section (5) or (6) of Section 196
Not less than Rs. 5,000- and not exceeding Rs. 25,000- or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month or to both
232E A police officer may detain the driver of a motor vehicle
• Refuses to give his name and address or gives false information
• Involved in an accident resulting in death or grievous injury
• Consumed alcohol or drugs
• In possession of false or forged documents or false number plates
• Forged or altered chassis or engine number
• Possession of a stolen vehicle
232F (2) A police office may detain a motor vehicle
• Driver is unable to produce a valid policy of insurance under Section 99
• Does not posses a valid driving licence
• Belongs to a dealer, repairer or manufacturer who does not hold a respective registration certificate
240 “Accident” means
(a) which occurs or originates on a road, street or any other place open to public traffic
(b) which results in one or more persons being killed or injured or causes damage to property and
(c) in which at least one moving vehicle was involved and includes collusion between vehicles, between vehicles and pedestrians and between vehicles and animals or fixed objects and includes accidents in which one vehicle alone is involved
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