Vehicle owners in Colombo and nearby areas will need to take extra care on the roads from September 29.
Police will strictly enforce rules for bus priority lanes during peak hours. They will check seven such lanes across the Western Province.
Motorists who break the rules could face legal action.
ASP Manoj Ranagala of the Police Traffic Control and Road Safety Division said the bus priority lanes operate during two peak periods.
The first period runs from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. The second runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
During these hours, motorists cannot use or park in the marked bus lanes.
When Can Motorists Use Bus Priority Lanes?
Police allow motorists to enter these lanes in a few situations.
For example, drivers can use a lane to avoid an emergency or an accident. They can also enter when severe traffic blocks the road.
Motorists can also enter a bus lane when they need to make a turn.
However, drivers should use the lanes only when one of these situations applies.
The rules also cover passenger transport buses. Police said the lanes can serve Metro buses and other passenger buses.
Police to Check Roads From September 29
Police will carry out checks on the seven bus priority lanes from September 29.
They will take legal action against motorists who use or park in the lanes without a valid reason.
The rules aim to keep traffic moving during busy hours and give passenger buses a clear route through Colombo and nearby areas.
Meanwhile, Metro Bus Chairman S.M.U.P. Thilakaratne said the company plans to add 104 luxury buses to services from September 29.
The new buses will serve passengers travelling to Colombo.
For vehicle owners, the key point is simple: check the bus lane signs and avoid these lanes during the restricted hours unless you have a valid reason to enter them.
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Last modified: September 27, 2026
