By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a strategic move to alleviate significant pressure on the country’s vehicle inspection system, operator Dekra has announced special Sunday hours at eleven of its key stations. This coming Sunday, June 7, 2026, the company will open its doors to address what it describes as a period of exceptionally high demand for the mandatory technical vehicle inspection (ITV).
The decision impacts major metropolitan and regional hubs across the country, providing a crucial window for drivers who have struggled to secure appointments. The vast majority of the selected stations—Heredia, Alajuela, Alajuelita, Santo Domingo, Guápiles, Pérez Zeledón, Limón, Liberia, and Nicoya—will operate from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Two stations, Puntarenas and Cañas, will follow a slightly adjusted schedule, opening from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
To delve into the legal framework and responsibilities surrounding the mandatory vehicle inspection, we sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
A valid vehicle inspection is not merely a permit to circulate; it is a critical legal safeguard. In the unfortunate event of a traffic accident, the lack of a current inspection or the presence of a fraudulent one can be interpreted as negligence on the part of the owner, potentially voiding insurance coverage and significantly increasing civil and even criminal liability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is a crucial reminder that the vehicle inspection extends far beyond a bureaucratic requirement, acting as a fundamental shield for a driver’s financial and legal well-being. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and valuable perspective.
This operational extension is a direct response to the growing bottlenecks reported by vehicle owners nationwide. The mandatory nature of the ITV, a prerequisite for renewing the annual circulation permit, or marchamo, creates natural peaks in demand. However, recent weeks have seen this demand intensify, leading to longer wait times and fully booked schedules, putting drivers at risk of missing their legal deadlines and incurring fines.
By opening on a Sunday, a day when service centers are traditionally closed, Dekra aims to clear a substantial portion of the backlog. This proactive measure is designed not only to improve customer service and reduce frustration but also to uphold the fundamental purpose of the inspection program: ensuring road safety by verifying that all vehicles circulating meet minimum mechanical and environmental standards as mandated by Costa Rican law.
The initiative is closely monitored by the Road Safety Council (COSEVI), the government entity responsible for overseeing the national vehicle inspection program. COSEVI’s mandate is to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities, and a fully compliant vehicle fleet is a cornerstone of this strategy. An efficient and accessible inspection system, free from prohibitive delays, is therefore essential to achieving the country’s public safety goals.
The economic implications of inspection delays are significant for the average citizen. Failure to pass the ITV on time can result in a fine of approximately ₡61,000. Furthermore, without a valid inspection sticker, drivers cannot pay their marchamo, rendering their vehicle illegal to operate. For businesses that rely on vehicle fleets for logistics and transportation, these delays can translate into direct operational disruptions and financial losses.
This period of high demand is also contextualized by Dekra’s relatively recent tenure as the sole provider of vehicle inspections in Costa Rica. The German multinational took over the service following the departure of the previous operator, Riteve. Such large-scale transitions in public services often come with initial operational challenges, including system adaptations and managing public expectations, which can contribute to temporary service pressures like the one being currently addressed.
Dekra’s decision to deploy additional resources for a special Sunday session reflects an understanding of its critical role in the nation’s transportation infrastructure. For thousands of drivers, this weekend offers a welcome opportunity to fulfill their legal obligations, avoid penalties, and ensure their vehicles are safe for the road. Vehicle owners are encouraged to check the availability and attempt to secure a spot for the special Sunday service as soon as possible.
For further information, visit dekra.cr
About Dekra:
Dekra is a global leader in the testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) sector, founded in Berlin, Germany, in 1925. The company operates in more than 60 countries and is dedicated to ensuring long-term safety, quality, and environmental protection. In Costa Rica, Dekra is the exclusive concessionaire responsible for conducting the mandatory technical vehicle inspections (ITV), playing a crucial role in upholding national standards for road safety and vehicle emissions.
For further information, visit csv.go.cr
About COSEVI:
The Consejo de Seguridad Vial (COSEVI), or Road Safety Council, is the primary Costa Rican government agency tasked with defining and executing national road safety policies. Operating under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), COSEVI is responsible for a wide range of functions, including traffic law enforcement, driver education programs, road safety campaigns, and the regulation and oversight of the mandatory vehicle inspection program to ensure it meets national safety objectives.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a profound commitment to legal excellence. Leveraging a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently champions innovation within the legal practice. Central to its ethos is the dedication to strengthening society by demystifying the law, fostering a more informed and empowered public capable of navigating their rights and responsibilities.
