Police clarifies legal powers to stop vehicles

16 March 2026 11:00 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 11 Bookmark

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Colombo, March 16 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka Police issued a public clarification regarding the specific legal provisions that grant officers the authority to stop motor vehicles and request documentation from drivers.

According to the police, the primary authority for stopping a vehicle is derived from Section 162 of the Motor Traffic Act. This section explicitly states that every driver must obey all oral directions or hand signals given by a police officer in the uniform and execution of their duty. This includes orders to stop, reverse, slow down, or move to a specific side of the road to maintain the flow of traffic.

Addressing a common myth, the police clarified that any officer in uniform has the power to stop a vehicle, not just those belonging to the Traffic Division. While "Traffic Police" is a specialized administrative unit, the Police Ordinance confers the duty to prevent crimes and detect offenders upon all officers. Consequently, any uniformed officer may request to see a driver’s license, National Identity Card (NIC), or insurance documents if they suspect a violation has occurred.

Furthermore, the police said that a single officer is legally permitted to stop a vehicle and press charges. There is no requirement in the Motor Traffic Act for a second officer to be present as a witness for a traffic stop to be valid. However, officers often work in pairs for safety and to ensure comprehensive road coverage during checkpoints.

Motorists are reminded that failure to comply with a police officer's signal to stop is a punishable offense. Under current regulations, obstructing an officer in the performance of their duty can lead to significant fines or legal action in a Magistrate’s Court.

Comments - 11

R Navaratnam Monday, 16 March 2026 11:06 AM

Police clarification to stop vehicles could easily be defeated in courts So see you in courtship

6 25

Zarook Monday, 16 March 2026 01:57 PM

Stop and collect cash.

1 8

The Govt will use the revenue it gets wisely for the Country and all its People. Monday, 16 March 2026 03:13 PM

Stop and fine those who think they can make and break road rules, it is time the country had some strict road rules to ensure that if you break the rules be prepared to face the consequences fine and before a Court of Law. Do not blame more cars on the road, as if every driver sticks to the road rules we will have no accidents deaths or injured and this goes for all those on foot using the road crossing instead of using the roads where only vehicles are expected to use. It is far better for the Govt to collect revenue than the corrupt feather their nests like in the decades gone by.

0 2

BuffaloaCitizen Monday, 16 March 2026 11:18 AM

This also needs to be augmented with the Police Officer equipped with a body camera. If the Police Officer does not have one, he needs to voluntarily request the other party to use their phones to record the whole conversation and event. Laws cannot be one-sided towards abuse of Authority which is famous in Sri Lanka.

1 42

Body Cameras are best to prevent misinformation aiming at the Govt by disgruntled voters of opposition and other party's. Monday, 16 March 2026 03:19 PM

Correct and has been for the past decades. Would be in the interests of the Police that Body Camera's are worn and it would be possible for the Govt to put out a call for body camera Donors from within the Business community and them to those Countries that have body cameras enforced for decades and successfully manage road safty.

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naren k Monday, 16 March 2026 12:02 PM

Consequently, any uniformed officer may request to see a driver’s license, National Identity Card (NIC), or insurance documents if they suspect a violation has occurred. Point is 'if they suspect a violation has occurred', how is this determined.

1 36

Kuruneru Monday, 16 March 2026 02:26 PM

They may randomly check whether those documents in possession are true and valid. But the torch commands at night may confuse that t hey are in search of something they lost during day time.

0 1

Ram P Monday, 16 March 2026 01:58 PM

What if the driver fails to see the officer or his signal to stop as some times they emerge from hiding. Must a driver obey any direction given by an officer emerging from hiding if the driver fails to see the officer. This often happens and I wish if the Police can provide an answer

0 4

Ram P Monday, 16 March 2026 02:02 PM

It will be helpful for the motorists and the Police if the rules can be highlighted in a webinar to be conducted by a Senior Judge organised by the JSC where Motorists and the Traffic Police are encouraged to participate

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Lk Monday, 16 March 2026 03:40 PM

The problem is some officers are corrupt that is why public oppose it

0 2

Sam J Monday, 16 March 2026 04:18 PM

Do we have to get down from the vehicle when we are stopped cos not many Police Officers come up to your vehicle to inspect the documents?

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