Most people know drink driving is illegal. Fewer know exactly what the law says, and a lot of what gets shared on social media about it isn't accurate. Here's a plain-language overview.
What the law says
Under Sri Lanka's Motor Traffic Act, it is an offence to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Police can stop drivers and test them with a breathalyser, and a blood test can also be used to establish the level of alcohol.
Penalties can include a fine, action against your driving licence and, in some cases, imprisonment. If drink driving leads to an accident that injures or kills someone, the charges become far more serious.
We're deliberately not quoting exact limits or fine amounts here, because the figures shared online often conflict and the rules can change. If you need the exact current position, check the Motor Traffic Act or ask a lawyer.
That Rs. 500,000 fine message
You may have seen a message claiming that the drink driving fine has been raised to Rs. 500,000. Fact-checkers at Fact Crescendo Sri Lanka looked into it and found no evidence that such a fine had taken effect, and the police described the viral claims as false. They also reported that a proposal to ask courts to suspend drink drivers' licences for a year had not become law.
The real cost isn't the fine
Whatever the fine, the real risk is an accident. Alcohol slows your reactions and affects your judgement, and Colombo's roads at night, with fast traffic, three-wheelers, pedestrians and poor lighting in places, leave little room for error.
How to never have to think about it
- Decide before you go out who's driving home, and stick to it.
- If everyone wants to drink, book a sober driver for your own car with Drink and Drive.
- Don't get in a car with someone who's been drinking.
- Book ahead for weddings and events, so you're not deciding at midnight.
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