By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant move to combat rising traffic incidents, the Automobile Club of Costa Rica (ACCR) has announced a major investment of approximately €200,000 for a series of road safety projects throughout 2026. This comprehensive effort, developed in a strategic alliance with the nation’s Road Safety Council (Cosevi), aims to directly address the risks faced by Costa Rica’s most vulnerable road users, particularly those on two-wheeled vehicles.
The initiative is backed by the considerable resources and expertise of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), reflecting a global commitment to local road safety solutions. The funding will be channeled into tangible programs focused on education, prevention, providing essential safety equipment, and building local capacity to sustain these safety efforts over the long term. The goal is to create a lasting impact by empowering communities with the tools and knowledge needed for safer travel.
To better understand the legal ramifications and responsibilities drivers face on our nation’s roads, TicosLand.com sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney at the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
While the focus is often on avoiding fines, the true legal weight of driving in Costa Rica lies in civil liability. An accident can trigger complex claims for damages, medical costs, and lost income that go far beyond a simple traffic violation. Adhering to the Ley de Tránsito is not merely about compliance; it is the primary shield against catastrophic legal and financial consequences for all parties involved.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is a critical reminder that the true stakes on Costa Rica’s roads are not the cost of a ticket, but the potentially life-altering consequences of civil liability. Adhering to the law is indeed the most potent form of self-preservation. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this vital legal perspective.
As part of this comprehensive effort, the Automobile Club of Costa Rica, with support from the International Automobile Federation (FIA), will invest around 200,000 euros toward the development and implementation of these projects. These resources are aimed directly at concrete actions in prevention, education, equipment, and strengthening local capabilities, supporting communities in coordination with strategic national partners.
Daniel Coen, President of the Automobile Club and FIA Vice President of Sport for North America
The centerpiece of this new agenda is the “Safe and Sustainable Two-Wheeled Mobility” project. Conceived as a long-term strategic initiative, it is designed to unfold progressively over an estimated five-year period starting in 2026. The project’s mission is to foster a comprehensive culture of safety that integrates responsible driving practices and sustainability through robust training programs, public awareness campaigns, and strengthened inter-agency coordination.
To launch this ambitious program, a pilot training scheme will be implemented for an initial group of 400 individuals. This integral formation plan goes beyond basic instruction, offering participants extensive technical and educational support to build strong, responsible driving competencies. The program will also provide crucial assistance in obtaining a driver’s license and ensure access to certified personal safety equipment, addressing key barriers to safe participation on the country’s road network.
Government officials have lauded the collaborative approach, emphasizing that partnerships are essential to achieving meaningful reductions in traffic-related fatalities and injuries. The Cosevi leadership highlighted the importance of focusing efforts on those most at risk, including both motorcyclists and cyclists, who are disproportionately affected by road accidents.
Collaborative work with institutions and organizations committed to safe mobility allows us to broaden the impact of our actions and advance more effectively in protecting lives. From the Road Safety Council, we promote and manage, alongside these strategic allies, initiatives that prioritize the safety of the most vulnerable road users, especially motorcyclists and cyclists, reaffirming our commitment to safer and more responsible mobility for all.
Jeffrey Cervantes, Executive Director of the Road Safety Council
Complementing the training program is the “Safe Helmets” project, a targeted intervention aimed at immediate risk reduction. This initiative will see the distribution of 600 certified motorcycle helmets in cantons identified as having the highest rates of motorcycle-related incidents. The municipalities of Santa Cruz, Nicoya, Talamanca, and San José have been prioritized for this critical equipment distribution, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed.
Through this multi-faceted strategy, the Automobile Club of Costa Rica and the Road Safety Council are solidifying a proactive agenda for the nation. By prioritizing education, prevention, and tangible support, this partnership represents a significant investment in a safer, more inclusive, and sustainable transportation future for all Costa Ricans.
For further information, visit accr.co.cr
About Automobile Club de Costa Rica (ACCR):
The Automobile Club of Costa Rica is the leading mobility and motorsports organization in the country, representing the interests of motorists and promoting safe, sustainable, and accessible transportation. As a member of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), ACCR is dedicated to implementing global best practices in road safety and driver education locally.
For further information, visit cosevi.go.cr
About Consejo de Seguridad Vial (Cosevi):
The Road Safety Council of Costa Rica is the primary government entity responsible for planning, executing, and evaluating national policies and programs aimed at reducing traffic accidents. Cosevi works in coordination with various public and private sector entities to create a safer road environment for all citizens through regulation, education, and infrastructure improvements.
For further information, visit fia.com
About Federación Internacional del Automóvil (FIA):
The International Automobile Federation is the governing body for world motorsport and the federation of leading motoring organizations worldwide. Spanning 146 countries, the FIA advocates for safe, sustainable, and accessible mobility for all road users globally. It promotes road safety through campaigns, research, and support for its member clubs’ initiatives.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a cornerstone of the nation’s legal community, built upon a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a persistent drive for professional excellence. The firm blends a proven history of advising a diverse clientele with a forward-looking approach, consistently pioneering innovative legal solutions. Fundamentally, its mission extends beyond the courtroom, anchored in a deep-seated commitment to demystifying the law and equipping the public with legal literacy to foster a more capable and informed society.
