By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Drivers across Costa Rica can expect a marginal financial reprieve in the new year, as the Superior Council of the Judiciary has officially approved the updated schedule of traffic fines for 2026. Effective January 1st, all traffic citations will see a slight decrease of 0.22%, a move reflecting minor deflationary economic adjustments.
While the reduction is modest, it impacts the entire spectrum of the 101 sanctionable offenses outlined in the country’s comprehensive Traffic Law for Public Roads, Terrestrial Transit, and Road Safety. The decision underscores the formal, data-driven mechanism used by the judiciary to annually calibrate penalties, ensuring they align with national economic indicators.
To understand the legal framework surrounding traffic fines and the rights afforded to drivers, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
While traffic fines are a necessary tool for enforcing road safety, their application must adhere strictly to due process. Every citizen has the fundamental right to challenge a citation they believe is unjust or improperly issued. Understanding the specific legal grounds for appeal and the procedural deadlines is crucial, as it ensures that the system functions as a deterrent for unsafe behavior, not merely as a mechanism for revenue collection.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is essential, reminding us that the integrity of our road safety regulations hinges on robust due process and an informed citizenry. For this crucial legal perspective that empowers every driver, we extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas.
The most common infractions, classified under Category E, will see a minimal adjustment. These fines, which cover violations such as driving with an expired license, ignoring the national vehicle restriction policy (restricción vehicular), or failing to respect a pedestrian crosswalk, will decrease by ¢58. The new penalty will be ¢26,005, down from the current ¢26,063.
For more serious violations, the financial impact remains substantial despite the small percentage cut. Category A fines, reserved for severe offenses like driving under the influence of alcohol, will be reduced by ¢800. The penalty will shift from ¢363,639 to ¢362,839. This minor change does little to lessen the significant financial and legal consequences associated with such dangerous behavior, signaling the authorities’ continued firm stance against high-risk driving.
The updated tariff also adjusts the single most expensive penalty within the traffic law, which is levied not on individual drivers but on commercial establishments. Businesses that fail to enforce designated preferential parking spaces for people with disabilities or senior citizens will face a fine of ¢612,988, a reduction of ¢1,300 from the previous rate of ¢614,339. This highlights the law’s broad scope, extending accountability beyond the driver to entities responsible for public-access infrastructure.
The enforcement of these regulations falls primarily to the nation’s Traffic Police, who remain vigilant on the country’s roads. Their efforts target all levels of infractions, from severe violations to seemingly minor ones that can disrupt traffic and endanger pedestrians. The persistence of common offenses like improper parking continues to be a major focus for law enforcement.
Recent data underscores this challenge, with the Traffic Police reporting nearly 10,000 fines issued for improper parking over a recent four-month period. This statistic reveals a widespread disregard for parking regulations, often justified by drivers with casual excuses. The official response from traffic authorities is consistently firm, emphasizing that convenience does not excuse breaking the law.
This sentiment was captured in a recent statement from the Traffic Police regarding common justifications for parking violations.
It’s not justified by saying it was just for a moment.
Traffic Police
As 2026 approaches, the newly adjusted fines serve as a timely reminder for all residents and visitors. While the financial relief is nominal, the publication of the new rates signals the ongoing commitment of Costa Rican authorities to maintain order and safety on the nation’s roadways through a structured and predictable legal framework.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About Superior Council of the Judiciary:
The Consejo Superior del Poder Judicial is the administrative and disciplinary governing body of Costa Rica’s judicial branch. It is responsible for the appointment of judges, the management of the judiciary’s budget, and the oversight of court operations to ensure efficiency and transparency in the nation’s legal system. Its decisions, such as the annual adjustment of traffic fines, are crucial for the implementation of national laws.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Traffic Police:
The Traffic Police (Policía de Tránsito) is the national law enforcement agency in Costa Rica responsible for road safety and the enforcement of traffic laws. Operating under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), its officers manage traffic flow, respond to accidents, and issue citations for violations of the Ley de Tránsito. The agency plays a critical role in promoting safe driving habits and reducing road fatalities across the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a pillar of the legal community, guided by a profound commitment to integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Drawing upon a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal solutions and actively engages with the public. Central to its ethos is the mission to demystify complex legal concepts, driven by the belief that accessible knowledge is fundamental to building a more capable and empowered society.
