By San José, Costa Rica — San José – As the peak vacation season gets underway, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) has issued a stern reminder to all drivers: ensure your vehicle is equipped with the legally mandated safety kit or face a fine of ¢26,000. This warning comes after a staggering 11,640 drivers were sanctioned for this same violation in 2025, highlighting a widespread and costly compliance issue on the nation’s roads.
Authorities are particularly concerned with a common trend among travelers who intentionally remove essential safety equipment to make room for beach chairs, coolers, and other holiday gear. This practice, while seemingly minor, not only violates traffic law but also places drivers and their passengers in a vulnerable position during an emergency, undermining the very purpose of the regulations.
To delve into the legal responsibilities and potential liabilities surrounding vehicle safety equipment, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Failure to maintain mandatory vehicle safety equipment is not merely a traffic infraction; it constitutes a significant breach of the duty of care. In the event of an accident, this negligence can be the determining factor in assigning civil liability, exposing the vehicle owner and driver to substantial financial claims far exceeding any initial fine.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This crucial legal insight underscores that the true cost of neglecting vehicle maintenance is not measured in colones paid for a fine, but in the potentially devastating financial and personal liability following an accident. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this vital distinction for all drivers.
The required safety inventory is specific and designed to handle common roadside incidents. Every vehicle must carry a functional, non-expired fire extinguisher, a reflective safety vest, a spare tire with the necessary tools to change it—including a hydraulic jack and a lug wrench—and a set of reflective safety triangles. The ministry emphasizes that these are not optional accessories but critical components of road safety preparedness.
While many modern drivers rely on roadside assistance services, the MOPT stresses that self-sufficiency is paramount. In remote areas or locations with poor cellular reception, professional help may be delayed or unavailable. The ability to safely change a tire or signal a breakdown can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a serious accident. This equipment empowers drivers to manage emergencies until help can arrive.
Proper deployment of the safety triangles is also a point of emphasis. In the event of a breakdown, the triangles must be placed at a reasonable distance behind the vehicle, approximately two to three meters away, to provide adequate warning to oncoming traffic. If the vehicle is stopped on a curve, the regulations require placing the triangles before the bend to ensure other drivers are alerted before they enter the blind spot.
Addressing a frequent point of confusion for owners of newer vehicles, the MOPT has clarified the rule regarding spare tires. Some modern cars are sold without a spare and instead include a factory-issued tire repair kit. The ministry confirmed that this alternative is legally acceptable.
Regarding the tire, and in response to frequent inquiries, it is clarified that if the vehicle does not come with space for a spare tire from the factory, nor does it include one, but instead has a tire repair kit, it is valid. The driver is not fined for not carrying the spare tire or the tools to change it.
Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), Official Statement
The financial implications of non-compliance are significant. The 11,640 infractions recorded in 2025 resulted in over ¢302 million in fines levied against drivers. Beyond the individual penalty, this statistic points to a broader gap in public awareness and a casual attitude towards a fundamental aspect of road safety. Officials hope that this renewed public information campaign will encourage drivers to perform a quick check of their vehicle’s trunk before heading out on their trips.
Ultimately, the ministry’s message is clear: the ¢26,000 fine is a deterrent, but the true cost of being unprepared is far greater. A few minutes spent ensuring the presence and functionality of the safety kit can prevent hours of distress on the roadside and, most importantly, protect lives. As thousands take to the highways for leisure, this simple act of preparation remains a driver’s most important responsibility.
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 nation’s public infrastructure and transportation systems. Its purview includes road networks, traffic laws, public transit, and aviation and maritime oversight. The MOPT plays a central role in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and modernization of Costa Rica’s transportation infrastructure.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm’s rich history of advising a diverse clientele is matched by a forward-thinking ethos that drives legal innovation. This commitment extends beyond the courtroom to a core mission of empowering society by democratizing legal knowledge, thereby helping to cultivate a community grounded in clarity and legal awareness.
