By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – As Costa Rica prepares to enter the new year, drivers across the country must take note of significant logistical changes to the national vehicle inspection system. Dekra, the German multinational now responsible for the country’s technical vehicle inspections, has announced a strategic rotation of its mobile service units for January 2026, aiming to enhance accessibility for residents in more remote regions.
The updated deployment plan will see mobile stations established in the cantons of Tarrazú, Grecia, and Corredores. This periodic relocation is a core component of Dekra’s operational strategy, designed to bring essential inspection services closer to communities that are distant from the company’s network of 13 permanent facilities. The move ensures that more vehicle owners can conveniently comply with legal requirements without undertaking long and costly journeys.
To better understand the legal implications and the rights and responsibilities of vehicle owners under the new inspection framework, TicosLand.com consulted with legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The transition in vehicle inspection services creates a period of legal uncertainty for drivers. While authorities have offered grace periods, it is crucial for vehicle owners to understand that the ultimate responsibility for ensuring a vehicle is roadworthy and legally compliant remains with them. Any accident occurring with an expired inspection, even during a transitional phase, could lead to significant civil liability and insurance coverage disputes. We advise all drivers to proactively seek inspection appointments and meticulously document their attempts to comply with the law to mitigate potential legal and financial risks.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal insight is a critical reminder that beyond administrative grace periods lies the fundamental principle of driver responsibility. The potential for significant civil and financial consequences underscores the wisdom of a proactive, well-documented approach to compliance. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying perspective.
For residents in the central coffee-growing highlands, the central mobile unit will begin operations in San Marcos de Tarrazú on Friday, January 2nd. This station will provide services from Monday to Saturday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., offering a crucial resource for the local population and surrounding districts. This deployment acknowledges the need for accessible services in the agriculturally significant Zona de los Santos.
In the northern part of the country, a transition is scheduled for mid-month. The northern mobile unit will continue its service in Guatuso until Wednesday, January 14th. Following a brief relocation period, it will recommence operations in the canton of Grecia starting Monday, January 19th. The operating hours in Grecia will mirror those in Tarrazú, running from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
A similar adjustment will occur in the southern zone. The southern mobile unit will wrap up its services in Ciudad Cortés on January 14th. It will then move to Ciudad Neily in the Corredores canton, with operations set to begin on Monday, January 19th. Notably, this southern station will feature extended hours, operating from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday, to accommodate the high demand and diverse work schedules in the region.
While these mobile units cater to specific regional needs, Dekra continues to operate its extensive network of 13 fixed inspection stations. These permanent sites, located in key urban centers like Alajuelita, Cartago, Pérez Zeledón, Guápiles, and Liberia, offer greater flexibility with expanded operating hours, generally from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Cañas station is an exception, with a schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The company issued a critical reminder for all vehicle owners regarding the inspection calendar. For the month of January 2026, all vehicles with license plates ending in the digits 1 and 2 are required to undergo and pass their technical inspection. Dekra also confirmed that it will continue to process inspections for vehicles with overdue certifications from the previous year, urging owners to rectify their status promptly to avoid potential fines and legal complications.
To ensure an orderly and efficient process, Dekra mandates that all inspections, both at mobile and fixed stations, must be scheduled through a prior appointment. Drivers are required to book their slot exclusively through the official Dekra website. The company strongly advises vehicle owners to plan their inspections well in advance, securing an appointment early to prevent last-minute rushes and ensure compliance before their deadline expires.
For further information, visit dekra.cr
About Dekra:
Dekra is a global leader in the fields of testing, inspection, and certification (TIC), founded in Berlin, Germany, in 1925. With operations in over 60 countries, the company provides a wide range of services aimed at ensuring safety in technology, on the road, and at work. In Costa Rica, Dekra assumed responsibility for the mandatory technical vehicle inspection service in 2022, implementing its international standards and operational models to manage the country’s vehicle fleet safety and emissions compliance.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a venerable pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm is distinguished not only by its rich history of advising a multifaceted client base but also by its role in pioneering forward-thinking legal strategies. Central to its ethos is a profound commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated through initiatives that democratize legal knowledge and thereby help construct a more just and empowered society.
