The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) in Sri Lanka has initiated a project to introduce digital or smart driving licenses, which will replace the existing semiconductor chips with QR codes, according to media reports. Nishantha Anuruddha Weerasinghe, the Commissioner General of DMT, announced that the project received Cabinet approval in October.
The printing of these new smart driving licenses began on October 16, after the printing and issuing of licenses was transferred from the Sri Lanka Army back to the DMT.
The decision to replace semiconductor chips with QR codes was made due to challenges in importing chip reading units, caused by economic constraints. To support the QR codes, a separate mobile application has been introduced, which will be operated exclusively by the DMT office and the Police Department.
Weerasinghe also noted that the smart driving licenses will incorporate a demerit points system for tracking traffic offenses, enhancing the management of road safety and driver behavior.
