Govt revises driving licence levy regulations for foreigners

The Transport Ministry introduced new changes to the Motor Traffic Act, Chapter 203, through Gazette No. 2463/04 issued on November 17.

According to the updated Motor Traffic (Driving Licence Levy) Regulations, No. 03 of 2022, several new fees have been introduced for issuing and renewing driving licences:

Sri Lankan citizens holding a foreign driving licence will now have to pay Rs. 30,000 to obtain a Sri Lankan licence.

Non-citizens applying for a licence issued outside Sri Lanka will be charged Rs. 60,000.

Additional fees between Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 45,000 will apply for renewals, duplicate licences, and temporary licences for non-citizens and visitors, depending on the type of licence and its validity period.

The Ministry says these changes are meant to update licence fees and match current policy needs. The amendments came into effect immediately with the Gazette publication.

However, critics say the higher fees will place a financial burden on foreign licence-holders and visitors. Supporters argue that the revisions are necessary to ensure consistency in regulations and improve revenue collection.

The full details are available in the latest Extra-Ordinary Gazette on the government documents portal.