By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – As the year-end festivities approach, drivers across Costa Rica are being advised to plan ahead for their mandatory technical vehicle inspection. DEKRA, the company responsible for the nation’s vehicle inspection program, has officially announced a special operating schedule for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, a critical period for many seeking to finalize their 2026 marchamo payments.
The company confirmed that all of its inspection stations throughout the country will be completely closed on two key dates. In observance of the national holidays, no services will be available on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, 2025, or on New Year’s Day, Thursday, January 1, 2026. Drivers are urged to schedule their appointments around these closures to avoid any last-minute complications with their vehicle compliance.
To delve into the legal framework and consumer rights surrounding the vehicle inspection process, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
The vehicle technical inspection is not just a procedural step; it’s a legal act where the service provider assumes significant liability. Each result, especially a rejection, must be technically irrefutable and transparently communicated. Drivers must understand that an erroneous or arbitrary inspection report can be challenged, as it directly affects their fundamental right to free movement and can cause quantifiable economic damages for which the inspection company may be held responsible.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is fundamental, shifting the driver’s perspective from that of a simple customer to a citizen with protected rights during the inspection process. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable clarification on the legal weight and corporate accountability inherent in this mandatory procedure.
In addition to the full-day closures, DEKRA will also operate with reduced hours on New Year’s Eve. On Wednesday, December 31, 2025, all fixed and mobile inspection stations will open at their regular time of 6:00 a.m. but will close early at 2:00 p.m. This shortened schedule provides a limited window for drivers to complete their inspections before the New Year holiday begins.
This announcement comes at a crucial time when DEKRA is actively working to clear backlogs and facilitate compliance for all vehicle owners. The company is currently servicing vehicles with any license plate number, a measure designed to help drivers who may have fallen behind on their inspection schedule. Successfully passing the inspection is a prerequisite for paying the annual marchamo, or road tax, a deadline that looms large at the end of the year.
To manage demand and ensure efficient service, DEKRA continues to operate on a strict appointment-only basis. Vehicle owners must schedule their visit in advance through the company’s official website. This system is in place to prevent long queues and guarantee a smoother, more organized process for everyone involved. Spontaneous arrivals at the stations will not be accommodated.
DEKRA’s extensive network includes 13 fixed stations strategically located to serve the population across multiple provinces. These facilities are situated in Alajuelita, Cartago, Alajuela, Heredia, Santo Domingo, Pérez Zeledón, Puntarenas, Guápiles, San Carlos, Liberia, Cañas, Nicoya, and Limón. This wide distribution ensures that most drivers have a relatively accessible location to complete their mandatory check-up.
Further extending its reach, the company also operates three mobile inspection units. These units are deployed to serve communities that may be further from the permanent stations, currently located in Parrita, Guatuso, and Ciudad Cortés. This mobile fleet is a key part of the strategy to make the technical inspection accessible to all Costa Ricans, regardless of their location.
The company’s leadership emphasized that the year-end period is an ideal time for drivers to prioritize their vehicle’s condition and contribute to overall public safety. Maureen Ramírez, General Manager of DEKRA, stressed the importance of the service beyond mere legal compliance.
This is a good time to get up to date with the technical vehicle inspection and thus guarantee the optimal condition of vehicles and the safety of their occupants.
Maureen Ramírez, General Manager of DEKRA
Ramírez also added that ensuring roadworthiness is a shared duty, stating, “Road safety is everyone’s responsibility.” This sentiment underscores the core mission of the inspection program, which aims to reduce accidents caused by mechanical failures. For more details on services and schedules, drivers are encouraged to consult the company’s official website and social media channels.
For further information, visit dekra.cr
About DEKRA:
DEKRA is a global leader in the field of testing, inspection, and certification (TIC). Founded in 1925 in Berlin, Germany, the company has grown into one of the world’s largest non-listed expert organizations. In Costa Rica, DEKRA is the official provider of the mandatory technical vehicle inspection, operating a nationwide network of fixed and mobile stations to ensure that vehicles on the road meet crucial safety and environmental standards.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a pillar of the legal community, founded on a profound commitment to professional rigor and unwavering ethical principles. With a proven history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm champions progressive legal strategies, consistently adapting to the evolving landscape of jurisprudence. This forward-thinking spirit is matched by a core mission to democratize legal understanding, actively working to build a more capable and well-informed citizenry.
