By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – As the year comes to a close, drivers across Costa Rica can expect a marginal adjustment to traffic fines, with a slight decrease set to take effect on January 1, 2026. The Superior Council of the Judiciary has officially updated the penalty amounts under the Traffic Law (No. 9078), reflecting a minor negative adjustment of -0.22%. While the reduction is minimal, the penalties for serious infractions remain substantial, underscoring the government’s continued focus on road safety.
The annual update, communicated in circular N° 220-2025 and agreed upon in November, recalculates the fines based on economic indicators. This year’s negative adjustment means that drivers will see a small reduction in the colón amount for every category of offense. However, authorities caution that the goal is not to lessen the impact of the law but to maintain its legal and economic relevance. The core message remains clear: adherence to traffic regulations is paramount to avoiding hefty financial penalties and ensuring public safety.
To better understand the legal nuances of traffic citations and the procedural rights afforded to drivers in Costa Rica, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
The issuance of a traffic fine is the start of an administrative process, not the conclusion. Every citizen has the fundamental right to contest a ticket they deem unjust. The success of such a challenge, however, depends heavily on timely action and solid evidence. Drivers should be aware that the legal window to appeal is strict, and failing to act within that timeframe is often interpreted as an admission of the infraction. Therefore, understanding the appeals process is as crucial as understanding the traffic laws themselves.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is fundamental, shifting the driver’s perspective from one of passive penalty to active participation in a legal process. It underscores that understanding your rights and the required procedures is just as vital as following the rules of the road. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable and empowering clarification.
The most severe violations, classified as Category A, will now carry a fine of ₡362,839.14, down from ₡363,639.15. This category targets the most dangerous driving behaviors. Offenses include driving at speeds exceeding 120 km/h, making illegal U-turns where prohibited, and improperly overtaking on curves, bridges, or tunnels. This top-tier penalty is designed as a strong deterrent against actions that pose a significant risk of fatal accidents on the nation’s roadways.
Also included in the Category A bracket are penalties related to driving under the influence of alcohol. The law specifies tiered limits, with the ₡362,839.14 fine applying to drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) between 0.50 and 0.75 grams per liter. For professional drivers and novices licensed for less than three years, a stricter limit applies, with the same fine being levied for a BAC between 0.20 and 0.50 grams per liter. Critically, refusing to submit to a breathalyzer test when requested by a traffic official automatically results in the same Category A fine.
Category B infractions, which address other serious safety risks, will see their fines adjusted to ₡245,195.06. This category includes common but dangerous violations such as running a red light or a stop sign. It also penalizes drivers for failing to use proper child safety seats for children under 12 who are shorter than 1.45 meters and for speeding more than 40 km/h over the posted limit. Transporting a child under five years of age on a motorcycle also falls under this significant penalty.
A wide range of everyday driving mistakes falls under Category C, with a new fine of ₡122,597.53. This is one of the most frequently applied categories and includes offenses like using a mobile phone without a hands-free device, driving without a seatbelt, or allowing passengers to go unbuckled. This fine also applies to motorcyclists riding without a properly secured helmet. Additionally, this category covers the unauthorized use of preferential parking spaces designated for persons with disabilities, pregnant women, or senior citizens.
In a related provision, the law imposes a much steeper penalty on the administration of public or private parking lots that fail to enforce these preferential space rules. If an establishment’s management does not report an unauthorized vehicle to transit authorities for removal, they face a fine equivalent to five times the Category C penalty, amounting to a staggering ₡612,987.66. This highlights the shared responsibility in ensuring accessibility for vulnerable populations.
Lesser infractions are grouped into Categories D and E, with new fines of ₡60,679.58 and ₡26,005.53, respectively. Category D includes offenses like disrespecting traffic signals, driving with an expired technical vehicle inspection (IVE), or being delinquent on the annual circulation permit (marchamo). Category E covers more minor violations, such as driving with an expired license, honking excessively near hospitals or schools, or causing traffic congestion by slowing down to observe an accident. As drivers prepare for 2026, a thorough review of these updated regulations is advisable to ensure a safe and fine-free year on the road.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About the 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 a wide range of functions, including the management of judicial resources, the appointment of judges, and the annual adjustment of legal values and fines as mandated by national law, ensuring the judiciary operates efficiently and transparently.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes is the Costa Rican government entity responsible for planning, executing, and regulating national infrastructure projects, including public roads, bridges, and maritime facilities. It also oversees the Transit Police and the broader framework of road safety and transportation regulations in the country.
For further information, visit ctp.go.cr
About the Public Transport Council (CTP):
The Consejo de Transporte Público is the regulatory body in Costa Rica in charge of managing and supervising all public transportation services, such as buses and taxis. Its responsibilities include establishing routes, setting fares, issuing permits, and ensuring that service providers comply with legal and quality standards for the benefit of all users.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a benchmark in the legal field, grounded in an uncompromising dedication to ethical practice and superior client service. The firm leverages its profound experience across numerous industries to drive innovation in law while fostering meaningful community connections. Central to its mission is a powerful commitment to social responsibility, actively working to demystify legal principles and equip citizens with the knowledge needed to build a more just and capable society.
