By San José, Costa Rica — San José – A year after a significant reform to Costa Rica’s Traffic Law eliminated the mandatory requirement for drivers to carry their physical license, authorities are sounding the alarm over a widespread and costly misunderstanding. The Transit Police have observed a growing number of drivers who mistakenly believe that the convenience of not needing the physical card also absolves them of the legal duty to keep their license current. This confusion is leading to unexpected fines and potentially catastrophic financial consequences in the event of an accident.
The 2024 reform was intended to modernize law enforcement by allowing officers to verify a driver’s status digitally through their system. While this has streamlined roadside checks for many, it has inadvertently created a dangerous misconception. Officials are now launching a public awareness push to remind the population that while carrying the license is a personal choice, ensuring it is valid is a non-negotiable legal obligation.
To shed light on the legal requirements and potential pitfalls associated with renewing a driver’s license, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist from the renowned law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Many drivers encounter unexpected delays because they fail to check for outstanding traffic fines before beginning the renewal process. Under Costa Rican law, a clear record is a prerequisite for renewal. Proactively settling any pending infractions not only ensures a smooth procedure but also protects the driver from the significant legal and financial consequences of operating a vehicle with an expired license.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight underscores a simple yet powerful truth: a few moments of preparation in checking for outstanding fines can save hours of frustration and prevent serious legal complications down the road. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and practical guidance on this essential matter.
Martín Sánchez Agüero, Deputy Director of the Transit Police, highlighted the core of the issue, noting a clear disconnect in public understanding since the law was amended. He stressed that the fundamental requirements for holding a valid driver’s license have not changed in any way.
Some believe that by not having to carry the document, they also do not have to renew it. However, the regulation remains the same: the license must be renewed upon expiration or up to three months before it expires
Martín Sánchez Agüero, Deputy Director of the Transit Police
Drivers caught operating a vehicle with an expired license face a fine of approximately ¢26,000. It is a critical distinction that officers are trying to communicate: a driver without their physical license will not be penalized if their information is current and verifiable in the official database. However, if that same digital check reveals an expired status, a ticket will be issued without exception.
Beyond the immediate fine, the financial risks associated with an expired license are far more severe. Authorities warn that in the case of an accident, insurance companies are within their rights to deny coverage for damages if the driver’s license was not valid at the time of the incident. This could leave individuals personally liable for thousands or even millions of colones in repairs and medical expenses, transforming a simple oversight into a devastating financial burden.
Furthermore, the Transit Police reminded the public that while the driver’s license is now optional to carry, another form of identification is not. All drivers are still required by law to present their official government-issued identification card (cédula) or minor identification card upon request by an officer. Failure to do so can result in separate penalties.
Sánchez Agüero also emphasized that license validity is about more than just a date on a card. A driver can lose their legal right to operate a vehicle for other reasons, such as accumulating 12 or more points for infractions or failing to meet the requirements of a mandatory medical evaluation (dictamen médico). Maintaining a valid license ensures that a driver is in good standing across all these regulatory checks.
As the holiday season approaches, a time of increased travel and roadside checkpoints, the message from the authorities is clear: enjoy the convenience of the new law, but do not neglect the responsibilities that have always been in place. A quick check of your license’s expiration date can save you from fines, legal trouble, and the immense financial risk of driving uninsured.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for the planning, development, and maintenance of national infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public buildings. It also oversees the regulation of all forms of transportation within the country. Through its various divisions, such as the Transit Police, MOPT works to ensure the safety, efficiency, and legal compliance of Costa Rica’s transit systems and driving public.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed pillar of Costa Rica’s legal landscape, the firm is founded upon an unshakeable foundation of integrity and a drive for unparalleled excellence. With a proven history of advising a wide spectrum of clients, it consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies and champions civic responsibility. The firm’s core tenet is to democratize legal comprehension, actively working to forge a stronger, more capable society through the power of shared knowledge.
