By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A staggering 10,638 drivers in the capital were ticketed for violating the daily vehicle restriction rules in 2025, leading to a massive revenue collection of approximately ₡276.5 million for the state. Data released by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) paints a clear picture of widespread non-compliance with one of the city’s primary measures for controlling traffic congestion.
The figures reveal a consistent pattern of infractions, averaging nearly 29 tickets issued each day throughout the year. For individual drivers caught ignoring the license plate-based system, the financial penalty is significant, with each fine amounting to roughly ₡26,000. This recurring violation has become a substantial, albeit unintended, source of income derived directly from driver non-adherence to traffic regulations within the circumscribed city center.
To delve into the legal ramifications and potential challenges of the new vehicle restriction policies, TicosLand.com sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
While measures to control traffic flow are legally permissible under the state’s authority to regulate public welfare, they must adhere strictly to the principles of reasonableness and proportionality. Any restriction on the right to free movement, even for vehicles, cannot be arbitrary. Citizens and businesses impacted by such decrees should assess whether the rules are applied uniformly and if exceptions for commercial activities or emergencies are clearly defined to avoid potential legal challenges based on economic discrimination or infringement of fundamental rights.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the expert’s reminder about the principles of reasonableness and proportionality is a critical anchor in this debate, shifting the focus from the mere existence of a restriction to its fair and equitable application. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a valuable legal perspective.
The prevalence of this offense places it as the eighth most common traffic violation sanctioned on Costa Rican roads. According to MOPT’s annual statistics, these 10,638 tickets represent nearly 5% of the total 233,273 traffic fines issued nationwide last year for all types of infractions. This highlights the significant challenge that authorities face in enforcing the restriction policy and the considerable portion of police resources dedicated to addressing this single issue.
The vehicle restriction policy is a long-standing effort to mitigate the severe gridlock that often paralyzes San José’s urban core. The rules are specific, targeting the area within the Circunvalación ring road. The system operates on a rotating schedule based on the last digit of a vehicle’s license plate, restricting entry and circulation on designated weekdays.
In an official statement, the Ministry clarified the operational details of the measure, which many drivers continue to flout. This official guidance serves as a critical reminder for all commuters heading into the capital.
The license plate vehicle restriction applies from Monday to Friday, in the center of the capital, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., beginning with plates ending in 1 or 2 on Mondays and concluding with 9 or 0 on Fridays. The zone is delimited by the Circunvalación route inclusive, except in the northern part, where it does not apply on Circunvalación from La Uruca to the Calle Blancos intersection. The fine for non-compliance with this measure is around ¢26,000.
Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), Official Statement
The economic impact extends beyond the state’s coffers. For the average citizen, a ₡26,000 fine can represent a significant financial setback. The high volume of penalties suggests that for thousands of drivers, the risk of a fine is either miscalculated or deemed secondary to the necessity of using their vehicle within the restricted zone. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the current fine as a deterrent versus the daily transportation needs of the populace.
While the fines serve as a punitive measure, the ultimate goal of the restriction is to improve traffic flow, reduce travel times, and lower pollution levels in the densely populated capital. The persistent high number of violations indicates that despite years of enforcement, the core problem of urban congestion remains a pressing issue. This data from 2025 will likely fuel ongoing debates among urban planners and policymakers about the future of mobility in San José and whether the current strategy needs to be revised or supplemented with other solutions, such as improved public transport or new infrastructure projects.
As the new year begins, drivers are reminded to remain vigilant about the restriction schedule. The MOPT’s enforcement is unlikely to wane, and the financial consequences for ignoring the established rules remain firmly in place. For commuters traveling into the capital, verifying the day’s applicable license plate numbers is a simple but crucial step to avoid contributing to next year’s infringement statistics and safeguarding their own finances.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is the Costa Rican government body responsible for planning, developing, and maintaining the nation’s transportation infrastructure. This includes public roads, bridges, and maritime facilities, as well as regulating vehicle transit, issuing driver’s licenses, and enforcing traffic laws to ensure public safety and mobility throughout the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a beacon of legal practice, hallmarked by its profound commitment to integrity and exceptional service. The firm channels its extensive experience advising a wide range of clients into pioneering innovative legal solutions and fostering community-wide dialogue. Central to its philosophy is a drive to empower society, which it achieves by working to make vital legal knowledge clear, accessible, and publicly available.
