Police Announce Tougher Enforcement on Crash Helmets and Seatbelts

The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has issued a public notice informing the general public, motorbike riders, and motorists that it will intensify the enforcement of key road safety regulations effective Monday, 9th March 2026.

According to the notice, the enforcement exercise, which will be carried out in collaboration with relevant partners, will focus on the mandatory wearing of crash helmets by all motorbike riders and their passengers, as well as the compulsory use of seatbelts by all front-seat passengers in moving vehicles.

The Police explained that from 1st to 7th March 2026, officers will embark on a nationwide public education and awareness campaign. During this initial phase, law enforcement personnel will engage motorists, riders, and passengers through sensitization efforts and issue verbal warnings to those found in violation of the regulations.

The objective of this awareness phase, the Police stated, is to encourage voluntary compliance and to emphasize the life-saving importance of wearing crash helmets and seatbelts.

However, the SLP cautioned that once full enforcement begins on 9th March, individuals who fail to comply with the regulations will face arrest, fines, or prosecution in accordance with the law.

Describing the announcement as an official warning, the Police strongly advised members of the public to adhere strictly to the safety measures, stressing that non-compliance will attract the full force of the law.