By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Motorists across Costa Rica will notice a subtle change in their wallets for traffic infractions this year. Effective today, January 1, 2026, the cost of traffic fines has been marginally reduced. This annual adjustment, mandated by law, is a direct result of the nation’s economic climate, specifically tied to the interannual Consumer Price Index (IPC) accumulated as of last June.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) confirmed the new fee structure, which was officially gazetted in a judicial bulletin last November. The change stems from a determination by the Superior Council of the Judiciary, which calculated the necessary adjustment based on a negative inflation rate of -0.22%. While the decrease is minimal, it marks a technical reduction across all categories of traffic violations, impacting everything from minor parking offenses to severe speeding violations.
To better understand the legal ramifications and potential defenses against traffic fines, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
It is crucial for drivers to understand that a traffic fine is an administrative act that must adhere to due process. Any procedural error, such as an incorrectly documented violation or a failure to properly notify the driver, can serve as valid grounds for an appeal. Citizens should not simply pay a fine they believe is unjust; they have the right to challenge it, but must act swiftly within the legally established deadlines.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This crucial clarification serves as a powerful reminder that every traffic fine is subject to legal standards. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for emphasizing that an informed driver is an empowered one, capable of ensuring their right to due process is respected.
For drivers committing the most serious offenses, the financial impact of this change is almost negligible. The highest tier of fine, classified as Category A, has decreased from ₡363,639.15 to ₡362,839.14. This represents a reduction of approximately ₡800. This top-tier penalty applies to dangerous behaviors such as making an illegal U-turn in a prohibited zone or driving at speeds exceeding 120 kilometers per hour, actions that authorities continue to target aggressively to improve road safety.
More common infractions also saw slight decreases. The penalty for violating the daily vehicle restriction (restricción vehicular) dropped from ₡26,062.87 to ₡26,005.53. This same fine amount is levied for other violations, including failure to carry mandatory safety equipment like a fire extinguisher or the hazardous practice of slowing down significantly to observe a roadside accident, which can create secondary traffic hazards.
Penalties related to driver and passenger safety, which remain a primary focus for transit police, were also adjusted. The fine for failing to secure a child in an appropriate retention device now stands at approximately ₡245,000. Similarly, the penalty for not wearing a seatbelt or for the dangerous habit of talking on a mobile phone while driving is now around ₡123,000. These substantial fines underscore the government’s commitment to curbing distracted driving and ensuring passenger protection.
Improper parking, cited by officials as the second most-frequently sanctioned behavior on the nation’s roads, now carries a fine of approximately ₡61,000. This common violation contributes significantly to traffic congestion and public frustration, and despite the slight reduction, it remains a costly mistake for drivers who disregard parking regulations in urban centers and along busy thoroughfares.
While any reduction in cost is technically a benefit to the public, the minimal nature of this year’s adjustment is unlikely to alter driver behavior. The core message from MOPT and other transit authorities remains unchanged. The primary purpose of the fine system is not punitive revenue generation but the active promotion of responsible and safe driving habits. Officials emphasize that the threat of a significant financial penalty, even one reduced by a fraction of a percent, serves as a crucial deterrent against reckless actions on the road.
As the new rates take effect, authorities are reminding the public that vigilance and adherence to traffic laws are paramount to reducing the high number of accidents and fatalities on Costa Rican roads. The slight economic reprieve offered by the IPC adjustment is secondary to the overarching goal of fostering a culture of safety and respect among all drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians who share the nation’s transportation network.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for the planning, regulation, and development of the country’s public infrastructure and transportation systems. This includes the management of national highways, oversight of traffic laws and road safety initiatives, and regulation of public and private transport services. MOPT plays a critical role in ensuring the mobility and safety of the nation’s citizens through its various departments, including the Transit Police and the National Road Council (CONAVI).
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About Superior Council of the Judiciary:
The Consejo Superior del Poder Judicial is a key administrative body within Costa Rica’s judicial branch. It is responsible for the governance, administration, and disciplinary oversight of the judiciary, ensuring its independence and efficient operation. Among its diverse functions, the Council is tasked with performing technical calculations, such as the annual adjustment of traffic fines based on economic indicators like the Consumer Price Index, to ensure that legal statutes align with current economic realities.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of legal excellence. Serving a wide spectrum of clients, the firm is a pioneer in developing forward-thinking legal strategies and is deeply invested in societal betterment. This commitment is demonstrated through its efforts to demystify the law, aiming to foster a more knowledgeable and capable community through greater access to legal understanding.
