Rise in foreigners driving three-wheelers spark accidents in SL

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya  

Sri Lanka Police said that there has been a noticeable increase in the trend of foreigners driving three-wheelers in Sri Lanka, accompanied by a rise in related fatal and other accidents in recent times.  

Upon investigation, it has been revealed that many foreign nationals involved in these accidents did not possess the necessary licences to drive three-wheelers, and the lack of proper training has contributed to these incidents. Police said that foreign nationals must at least have a valid driving licence in Sri Lanka, International driving licence valid for this country or driving licence of their country (Certificate of Translation submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner) to legally drive in Sri Lanka.

The aforementioned licences must be valid, and international driving permits do not include a class for driving three-wheelers. In addition, Police said that when converting a foreign driver’s licence in Sri Lanka, a valid licence for three-wheelers will not be issued.  

Police said that to drive a three-wheeler in Sri Lanka, one must have a Category A licence (for heavy vehicles) or Category E licence (for three-wheelers) under the old licensing system, or a Category B1 licence (for motor tricycles) under the new system. A Category B driver’s licence, issued for dual-purpose vehicles under the new system, is not valid for operating a three-wheeler. Drivers must pass a driving test specific to three-wheelers to obtain a Category B1 licence.  

Furthermore, Category C, C1, CE, D, and D1 licences are also valid for driving three-wheelers.  

In addition, anyone trained to drive a motor vehicle in Sri Lanka must pass a written test and obtain a training permit.  

Despite these regulations, it has become a serious issue that some local individuals are earning money by allowing foreigners to drive three-wheelers without the necessary legal licences.   To address this situation, the police have taken action by summoning the owners of three-wheelers driven by foreigners, recording their statements, and filing legal cases against them in court.   

Police said that allowing an unlicenced person to drive a motor vehicle is an offence punishable by a fine of Rs. 25,000 under Section 123(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act.  

The Police urged vehicle owners and those in the tourism industry to ensure that foreigners have a valid driver’s licence for driving in Sri Lanka, especially when providing vehicles for rental.