Driving in Sri Lanka – What You Need to Know As a Tourist

Sri Lanka is a stunning island destination known for its rich cultural history, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse wildlife. One of the best ways to explore the country is by car, allowing you to navigate the island at your own pace and reach every hidden corner. However, before hitting the road, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the local driving conditions, rules, and what to expect when driving in Sri Lanka as a tourist.

Get ready to unlock the best of your travels with our comprehensive guide to driving in Sri Lanka!

How to Drive in Sri Lanka

While it may seem daunting at first, especially if you’re used to different driving conditions, mastering the roads in Sri Lanka can be quite enjoyable with the right information.

Patience and defensive driving are key to staying safe on the road. As a tourist, it’s also essential to understand that the road infrastructure is still developing in certain rural areas, so you’ll need to adjust your driving accordingly.

Traffic Laws in Sri Lanka

Understanding the traffic rules in Sri Lanka is essential for staying safe and avoiding fines. While general road rules remain the same in most countries, like mandatory seatbelts, restriction of mobile phone usage and prohibition of driving under the influence, tourist drivers in Sri Lanka will need to know localised specifics to avoid any hassle.

There is a strict adherence to traffic laws in Sri Lanka, and violations can lead to heavy fines or even jail time in extreme cases.

Driving Rules in Sri Lanka

Speed Limits and Lane Discipline

• The speed limit is typically 50 km/h in urban areas, and up to 100 km/h on highways.
• Stay in your lane, and overtake only on the right-hand side, signalling your intentions clearly.
• Be cautious as lane discipline may not always be strictly followed, especially by tuk-tuks and motorbikes that often move between lanes.

Yielding and Intersections

• At intersections and roundabouts, always yield to vehicles approaching from the right. If two vehicles arrive at the intersection simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has the right of way.
• Always give way to emergency vehicles like ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars by pulling over to the side of the road when you hear sirens or see flashing lights.
• Never block intersections, as this is illegal and can result in a fine.

Avoiding Hazards

• Pedestrian crossings are common in urban areas, and you must stop for pedestrians at marked crossings.
• In rural areas, animals such as cows and dogs frequently wander onto the roads. Always be alert!

Horn Usage and Signalling

• Horns are widely used in Sri Lanka to signal intentions, particularly when overtaking or navigating narrow roads. It’s common practice to use your horn to alert other drivers or pedestrians of your presence.
• However, be mindful not to use it excessively, or in quiet zones where restrictions may apply.

Police Checkpoints and Required Documentation

• Police checkpoints are common, particularly on main roads and near tourist destinations.
• Always carry your IDP or Sri Lanka driving licence for tourists, passport, and car rental documents. These checkpoints are routine, and you’ll usually be waved through if your papers are in order.

Parking

• Parking is generally permitted in designated areas, and in cities, you may find metered parking or attendants issuing tickets.
• Avoid parking in no-parking zones or blocking intersections, as this can lead to fines or having your vehicle towed.

How Can I Get an International Driving Licence in Sri Lanka?

For foreign tourists, obtaining a temporary Sri Lanka driving permit is mandatory if you plan to drive. You’ll need to visit the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) in Werahera, near Colombo.

The process is simple: you need to take your passport, visa (with at least one-month validity), your home country’s driving license, and photocopies of all these documents. If your driving license isn’t in English, a translation from your embassy is required. Make sure to carry extra photocopies of your documents before going in.

You’ll also need to bring cash, as card payments are not accepted. The permit costs around LKR 1,000 for every 30 days, depending on how long your visa is valid.

Alternatively, if you already hold an International Driving Permit (IDP), you can visit the Automobile Association (AA) in Colombo to get your IDP endorsed for driving in Sri Lanka. The international driving license price in Sri Lanka is between LKR 7,000 and LKR 8,000.

Roads in Sri Lanka

The roads in Sri Lanka vary from well-maintained highways in cities like Colombo and Kandy to more rural paths that may require extra caution.

In urban areas, you’ll find paved roads with proper signage and traffic lights, making navigation straightforward. As you move outside major towns, road conditions can become more unpredictable, with narrower streets and occasional potholes or unpaved sections.

While the infrastructure in rural areas is still developing, driving these roads allows access to some of the country’s most beautiful and less-travelled areas.

Which Side of the Road Does Sri Lanka Drive On?

It’s the left-hand side! British tourists will feel at home driving here, but if you’re from a right-hand driving country, it may take some time to adjust.

Keep this in mind when navigating roundabouts, junctions, and overtaking. It’s crucial to use your horn to signal your presence, especially on winding outstation roads where visibility can be limited.

Ready to Hit the Road? Rent a Car in Sri Lanka!

Despite a small learning curve, driving in Sri Lanka is one of the best ways to discover its hidden treasures and top tourist destinations, with the freedom to travel at your own pace. Whether you’re cruising along the coastline or navigating lush landscapes, a reliable vehicle makes all the difference.

Ready to embark on your adventure? Choose King’s Rent A Car for a hassle-free experience with a wide selection of premium, clean, and dependable vehicles to fit your travel plans and budget.

Plus, with 24-hour island-wide roadside assistance, you’ll be covered no matter where the road takes you.

Book your vehicle with King’s Rent A Car today and explore Sri Lanka with complete peace of mind!