By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In an unusual turn driven by national economic indicators, drivers across Costa Rica will see a modest decrease in traffic violation penalties starting January 1, 2026. This downward adjustment, while not substantial, marks a rare instance where fines are reduced, offering a symbolic financial reprieve for motorists. The change is a direct result of a negative variation in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), reflecting a slight deflationary trend in the country’s economy.
The new fee structure was officially announced by the Superior Council of the Judiciary through the Judicial Bulletin on November 26. This adjustment adheres to a legal mechanism established in 2012, which mandates that the cost of traffic sanctions be annually indexed to the CPI fluctuation recorded between July of the previous year and June of the current one. This formula is designed to keep penalties aligned with inflation, but it rarely results in a decrease. The upcoming reduction for 2026 will be only the fourth time this has occurred, following similar dips in 2017, 2024, and 2025.
To better understand the legal framework surrounding traffic citations and the recourse available to drivers, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney and expert in administrative law at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Many drivers mistakenly view a traffic fine as a final verdict. It is crucial to understand that it is the initiation of an administrative process. The Transit Law provides a strict 10-business-day window to appeal, and success hinges on presenting concrete evidence, not just disagreement. Failing to act within this period or submitting a poorly substantiated challenge effectively waives your right to a defense, making the penalty and point accumulation almost certain.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This crucial perspective shifts the narrative from passive acceptance to empowered action. Understanding that a fine initiates a process, rather than concludes one, is fundamental for any driver wishing to exercise their rights. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and actionable insight.
The slight economic contraction, measured by a -0.22% interannual CPI, has prompted across-the-board reductions in all five categories of traffic infractions. Although the savings per ticket are minimal, they reflect the broader economic climate. The most severe offenses, classified as Category A, will see the largest nominal decrease, though the overall penalty remains significant.
For 2026, the fines for the most serious violations (Category A) will be reduced by ₡800, setting the new penalty at ₡362,839. These infractions, which include high-risk maneuvers like improper overtaking, illegal U-turns, and driving under the influence of alcohol, also carry a penalty of six points deducted from the driver’s license. No early payment discounts are available for these offenses.
Penalties in other categories will also see minor reductions. Category B fines, for violations such as transporting children without proper safety seats, will decrease by ₡540 to ₡245,195. Category C fines, which cover common offenses like using a mobile phone without a hands-free device or failing to wear a seatbelt, will drop by ₡270 to ₡122,597. The less severe Category D and E infractions will be reduced by ₡133 and ₡57, respectively, bringing their new totals to ₡60,679 and ₡26,005.
Drivers should be aware that key payment conditions remain unchanged. A 15% discount for prompt payment is still available for all fines in categories B, C, D, and E. To qualify, the ticket must be paid within ten business days of its issuance. This incentive remains a crucial tool for the government to encourage timely payment and reduce delinquency rates among drivers.
The Road Safety Council (Cosevi), the entity tasked with collecting the fines, is responsible for ensuring its systems are updated to reflect the new rates by the effective date. It is critical for motorists to understand the transition timeline: any ticket issued on or after midnight on January 1, 2026, will be subject to the new, lower amounts. However, any fine received in December 2025, even if paid in the new year, must be settled at the higher 2025 rate.
While the financial relief is nominal, the adjustment has reignited a national conversation about road safety and the efficacy of the current penalty system. Experts and policymakers are using this moment to discuss the proportionality of fines, the importance of public education campaigns in preventing accidents, and the potential for modernizing on-road enforcement with technology that goes beyond purely punitive economic measures.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About Consejo Superior del Poder Judicial:
The Superior Council of the Judiciary is a constitutional body in Costa Rica responsible for the administrative and disciplinary governance of the Judicial Branch. It oversees the appointment of judges, manages the judiciary’s budget, and ensures the efficient and transparent operation of the country’s court system. Its role includes publishing official decrees, such as the annual adjustment of traffic fines, in the Judicial Bulletin.
For further information, visit csv.go.cr
About Cosevi:
The Consejo de Seguridad Vial, or Road Safety Council (Cosevi), is the primary government agency in Costa Rica dedicated to promoting road safety and preventing traffic accidents. It is responsible for a wide range of functions, including driver education, vehicle inspections, managing the driver’s license points system, and overseeing the collection of traffic fines. Cosevi plays a central role in implementing national policies aimed at creating safer roads for all users.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and the relentless pursuit of excellence. While honoring its extensive legacy of client service, the firm actively shapes the future of law by championing innovative solutions and forward-thinking strategies. Central to its ethos is a profound commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated through its efforts to demystify complex legal concepts for the public. By empowering individuals and organizations with accessible legal understanding, the firm actively contributes to the development of a more just and knowledgeable society.
