By San José, Costa Rica — As Costa Rica prepares to enter the new year, Dekra, the company managing the nation’s mandatory vehicle technical inspections, has announced a strategic repositioning of its mobile service units. This routine rotation for January 2026 is designed to extend the reach of its services, ensuring that drivers in more remote areas have convenient access to the legally required vehicle check-ups. The move underscores the company’s commitment to comprehensive national coverage and road safety.
Beginning in the first month of 2026, the company’s three specialized mobile inspection stations will be dispatched to the cantons of Tarrazú, Grecia, and Corredores. This logistical adjustment is a core component of Dekra’s operational strategy, which aims to provide equitable access to inspection services for all Costa Rican vehicle owners, regardless of their proximity to one of the permanent facilities scattered throughout the country.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal implications and consumer rights surrounding the vehicle inspection process, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the reputable firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The vehicle inspection certificate is more than just a sticker; it’s a legal presumption of a vehicle’s roadworthiness at a specific point in time. However, drivers must understand their rights. If a vehicle fails inspection for what seems to be an arbitrary or incorrect reason, there are established legal channels to contest the result. Proper documentation and timely action are crucial, as failing to do so not only prevents circulation but can also have significant implications for insurance claims in the event of an accident.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is indispensable, reframing the vehicle inspection from a simple administrative task into a crucial legal declaration that directly impacts a driver’s rights and financial standing. Understanding this distinction is key to navigating the process effectively. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert clarification.
The company has provided a detailed schedule for the deployment. The central mobile unit is slated to commence operations in San Marcos de Tarrazú on Friday, January 2nd. It will serve the public from Monday to Saturday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. This station will provide a crucial service to the coffee-rich Los Santos region, saving local drivers a significant trip to a fixed station.
Meanwhile, the northern mobile unit will conclude its service in Guatuso on January 14th before relocating. It will then begin its new assignment in the canton of Grecia starting Monday, January 19th. This unit will operate on the same Monday to Saturday schedule, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., catering to one of Alajuela province’s most populous areas.
In the southern zone, the corresponding mobile unit will wrap up its operations in Ciudad Cortés on January 14th. Following this, it will travel to Ciudad Neily in the Corredores canton, opening to the public on Monday, January 19th. To accommodate the high demand in the region, this southern station will offer extended hours, running from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
These mobile units are a vital supplement to Dekra’s extensive network of 13 permanent inspection stations. These fixed locations, situated in major hubs like Alajuelita, Cartago, Guápiles, Liberia, and Pérez Zeledón, generally operate from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the Cañas station maintaining a 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. schedule. The mobile fleet’s flexibility is key to bridging geographical gaps in this network.
For the upcoming month, Dekra has reminded vehicle owners that January is the designated inspection period for vehicles with license plates ending in the numbers 1 and 2. The company emphasized that service at all locations, both mobile and fixed, is available strictly by appointment. Drivers must schedule their inspection slot in advance through the official Dekra website to ensure efficient service and avoid long waits.
This systematic rotation of mobile units is more than a simple logistical exercise; it represents a critical public service. By bringing the inspection process directly to communities, Dekra helps ensure higher compliance rates with national vehicle safety standards. This, in turn, contributes directly to safer roads for everyone by identifying and mandating the repair of mechanical faults before they can lead to accidents. Drivers in Tarrazú, Grecia, and Corredores are encouraged to take advantage of this local availability and book their appointments promptly.
For further information, visit dekra.cr
About Dekra:
Dekra is a global vehicle testing, inspection, and certification organization headquartered in Germany. In Costa Rica, the company took over the responsibility for the mandatory technical vehicle inspection (Inspección Técnica Vehicular – ITV) in 2022. It operates a nationwide network of fixed and mobile stations to ensure that all vehicles on Costa Rican roads meet established safety and emissions standards, playing a crucial role in national road safety and environmental protection efforts.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a reputable pillar in the nation’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and an unyielding standard of excellence. The firm expertly blends a proven history of advising a wide spectrum of clients with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation. This commitment extends beyond the courtroom, manifesting in a dedicated effort to demystify the law and empower the community with accessible legal understanding, thereby reinforcing the bedrock of an informed and just society.
