The Department of Motor Traffic states that the proposed vehicle roadworthiness and safety certification system applies exclusively to commercial vehicles used for public transport and the carriage of goods. Consequently, a notice issued by the Department clarifies that this requirement does not extend to vehicles used for private purposes.
During a recent press conference, the Commissioner General of Motor Traffic, retired Air Marshal Thushara Fernando, announced plans to introduce mandatory vehicle roadworthiness inspections, effective from early 2027. He indicated that a certificate of roadworthiness would be required either every 5,000 kilometers or every three months. However, his statement did not explicitly specify which categories of vehicles would be subject to this new regulation. This lack of clarity led to significant public concern. The Department emphasizes that discussions regarding this proposed mechanism are still ongoing with the ‘Strategic Committee on Vehicle Fitness,’ and that no final decision has been reached yet concerning its implementation. The Department further stated that the public will be duly informed once the relevant discussions and evaluations are concluded.
Additionally, the Department of Motor Traffic requests the public to refrain from disseminating misleading information on this matter, as it could cause unnecessary anxiety among vehicle owners.