General Safety

• Speed limits: Maximum km/h on the expressway is 100 km/h; on entry/exit ramps it is 60 km/h.
• Keep distance: Always maintain a safe gap from the vehicle ahead to avoid collisions.
• Never drive under the influence: Alcohol and drugs reduce judgment and reaction time-do not drive after using them.
• Avoid driving when tired: Fatigue weakens your control. If you feel drowsy, pull over and rest.
• Seat belts: All passengers - including rear-seat passengers - must wear seat belts at all times.

Lane Discipline

• Use the outer lane for normal driving. Use the inner lane only for overtaking.
• Change lanes carefully: check mirrors, signal, and ensure the lane is clear before moving.
• If you cause a collision while changing lanes, you will be held responsible.
• After overtaking, confirm you have cleared the vehicle, signal, then return to the outer lane.

On the Road

• Parking lane is for emergencies only - do not park there otherwise.
• Do not throw litter from your vehicle - it can damage other vehicles and the road.
• Keep windows closed enough to prevent passengers from putting heads or hands outside.
• Have exact change for tolls when possible - it speeds up transactions at toll gates.
• Do not use mobile phones while driving. If essential, ask a passenger to help or stop safely first if it is an emergency.

✅ Conditions for Vehicles Allowed on the Expressway

Vehicles permitted on the expressway must meet the following requirements:

• Be capable of safely driving at speeds of at least 100 km/h.
• Not be overloaded or emit excessive smoke.
• Comply with the length, width, height, and load limits set out in the Motor Traffic Act.
• Have properly functioning lights, dashboard indicators, brakes, steering, and seat belts for all passengers.
• Must not use worn-out tyres or engines.
• Maintain the recommended air pressure in tyres.

Before You Start Your Journey

• Plan your entry and exit points.
• Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel.
• Carry sufficient cash (preferably change) or other payment option for user fee payments.
• Read and follow all direction signs before entering.

Entering the Expressway

• Always retain the entry ticket (MTC), you will need it at exit.
• If you mistakenly enter through the wrong ramp and pass a toll gate, do not reverse. Continue to the next interchange to correct your route.
• When you enter to the Expressway from correct entry ramp, adjust your speed to merge safely with expressway traffic.
• If there's no safe gap between the vehicles already in the expressway when you are trying to enter the Expressway, wait in the acceleration lane until it is safe.

Exiting the Expressway

• Move into the outer lane 500m before the exit. Use your left signal and reduce speed in the deceleration lane.
• Never cut across lanes suddenly to reach the exit-it's dangerous and can cause serious accidents.
• If you miss your exit, do not reverse. Continue to the next interchange and return safely.

Southern / Extention of Southern / Outer Circular / Central Expressways

• At the entry toll gate, you will receive a ticket showing your vehicle type and the entry interchange.
• Hand over this ticket at the exit toll gate to calculate your fee.
• Pay the amount displayed and collect your receipt.
• User fees help maintain the expressway and fund emergency and paramedical services.
• Currently available Manual Payment Methods (MTC) Only. Payment can be made by cash, credit/debit cards, or LankaQR-enabled mobile apps.
• Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) and Touch & Go systems are planned for the future.

Colombo-Katunayake Expressway

• Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) facilities are available at all toll gates.
• With ETC, registered vehicles are identified automatically, tolls are deducted electronically, and gates open without stopping.
• You can obtain an ETC card at the Customer Care Center, Peliyagoda (near Thorana Junction on Colombo-Kandy Road, A1). (Click here to apply for the ETC facility.)
• Top-up your ETC account at Bank of Ceylon using cash, direct debit, or e-banking.
• You can also use Manual Payment Methods (MTC) such as cash, credit/debit cards, or LankaQR-enabled mobile apps.
• If you are using Manual Payment Methods (MTC):
• At Peliyagoda and Katunayake (Seeduwa) entry points, no tickets are issued - you may enter directly.
• At the Ja-Ela entry point, you will be issued an entry ticket.
• If you are entering from the Ja-Ela Interchange (IC), you must present the entry ticket at the exit point. All MTC vehicles are required to stop at the exit gates.
• At the exit toll gates, your vehicle type and applicable fee will be displayed. After making the payment, you will receive a receipt, and the barrier will open automatically.
• User fees are utilized for expressway maintenance, emergency services, and paramedical assistance.