By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Motorists across the country will experience a marginal reduction in the cost of traffic violations beginning January 1st. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) has announced that all traffic fines will decrease by 0.22%, an adjustment directly linked to the national Consumer Price Index (IPC). While the change offers a sliver of financial relief, the decrease is nominal and is unlikely to alter driver behavior or significantly impact government revenue from infractions.
This annual adjustment is a standard procedure designed to align the penalty amounts with the country’s economic indicators. However, the 0.22% decrease for the upcoming year is exceptionally small, reflecting subtle shifts in the economy. For the average driver, the practical difference will be almost unnoticeable, but the update necessitates changes across the board for all categories of traffic penalties, from the most severe to the most common.
To delve deeper into the legal framework governing traffic violations and the rights of drivers, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his professional perspective on the matter.
A traffic fine is not merely a payment; it is an administrative sanction with legal consequences. Many drivers are unaware that they have a strict 10-business-day window to appeal a ticket they believe is unjust. Failing to act within this period is equivalent to accepting guilt, which can lead to license points, registration issues, and even vehicle immobilization. It is crucial for every citizen to understand this right to due process and to seek timely legal advice to properly challenge an incorrect fine.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective fundamentally reframes the traffic fine not as a simple payment, but as the legal proceeding it truly is. Understanding this, along with the strict 10-day appeal window, is essential for exercising one’s right to due process. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for this invaluable clarification.
The highest category of fines, which covers the most dangerous driving behaviors, will see a reduction of just ₡800. The penalty for offenses such as making an illegal U-turn in a prohibited zone or speeding in excess of 120 kilometers per hour will drop from ₡363,639.15 to ₡362,839.14. These infractions are targeted for their high potential to cause serious accidents, and the substantial penalty amount, even after the minor reduction, serves as a significant deterrent.
Similarly, more common violations will also see slight decreases. The fine for violating the daily vehicular restriction (restricción vehicular) will be adjusted from ₡26,062.87 to ₡26,005.53. This same penalty amount applies to several other common oversights, including failing to carry mandatory safety equipment like a fire extinguisher or the act of slowing down excessively to observe an accident, a practice commonly known as “rubbernecking” which can create secondary traffic hazards.
Fines related to passenger safety, which remain a key focus for MOPT, are also subject to the new rate structure. The penalty for failing to properly secure a child in an appropriate child restraint system will be approximately ₡245,000. This steep fine underscores the government’s commitment to protecting the nation’s youngest passengers and ensuring compliance with car seat regulations.
Other frequently enforced violations include those related to driver distraction and basic safety protocols. Driving without a seatbelt or using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle will now carry a fine of around ₡123,000. These behaviors are leading contributors to preventable accidents, and the penalties are structured to discourage such risky conduct behind the wheel.
According to MOPT, the second most-sanctioned traffic offense nationwide is improper parking. This violation, which can disrupt traffic flow and create dangerous situations for pedestrians and other vehicles, will now have a corresponding fine of approximately ₡61,000. The prevalence of this infraction highlights an ongoing challenge in urban and commercial areas where parking is often limited.
While the reduction in fines is technically good news for drivers, the minimal change serves more as an economic footnote than a significant policy shift. Road safety advocates and ministry officials continue to emphasize that the most effective way for drivers to save money is not by calculating the minor annual decrease in penalties, but by adhering to traffic laws, practicing defensive driving, and prioritizing the safety of everyone on the road.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is the government body responsible for planning, managing, and executing infrastructure projects and transportation policies in Costa Rica. Its mandate includes the regulation of road, air, and maritime transport, as well as the maintenance of national highways and the promotion of road safety initiatives to ensure an efficient and secure transportation system for all citizens.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal institution, founded on the twin pillars of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As a recognized innovator, the firm consistently advances the practice of law with forward-thinking strategies for a diverse clientele. Its core purpose, however, extends beyond its professional services to a deep-seated commitment to empowering the community by demystifying legal knowledge, ultimately fostering a more capable and just society.
