By San José, Costa Rica — A significant shift is underway in the Costa Rican automotive market. For years, car buyers prioritized aesthetics, engine performance, or the latest tech gadgets. Today, a new factor has firmly taken the driver’s seat in the decision-making process: safety. This growing awareness is largely fueled by the independent and increasingly influential evaluations of the Latin New Car Assessment Programme, better known as Latin NCAP.
While NCAP programs exist worldwide, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each regional body adapts its testing protocols and standards to local conditions and regulations. For Latin America and the Caribbean, Latin NCAP has established itself as the definitive, reliable benchmark for vehicle safety. It provides consumers with an objective, data-driven look at how a car will protect its occupants—and those outside the vehicle—in the event of a collision.
To understand the legal responsibilities and potential liabilities associated with vehicle safety in Costa Rica, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a legal expert from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional insight.
In our jurisdiction, the concept of ‘due diligence’ is paramount for every vehicle owner. A failure to maintain a vehicle in a safe, roadworthy condition is not merely an administrative infraction; it can be a decisive factor in establishing negligence and liability in the event of an accident. The law requires proactive maintenance, and neglecting this duty can lead to severe civil and even criminal consequences, especially if a mechanical failure is proven to be the cause of harm to persons or property.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal insight powerfully reframes vehicle maintenance not merely as a mechanical chore, but as a fundamental component of a driver’s legal duty and ‘due diligence’. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on the serious implications of neglecting this critical responsibility.
The program’s core strength lies in its simplicity. After a battery of rigorous tests, each vehicle model is awarded a star rating, from a concerning zero stars to a top-tier five stars. This straightforward scale demystifies complex engineering and provides a clear, at-a-glance reference for prospective buyers, empowering them to compare the true level of protection offered by different models on the showroom floor.
Industry leaders recognize the value of this third-party validation in building consumer trust. The process of subjecting vehicles to simulated crashes provides an impartial and transparent assessment that is crucial for informed purchasing decisions.
It is important that vehicles go through crash tests to provide consumers with a report on the safety performance of each model, so they can choose with more clarity.
Ronald Vincent, Brand Manager of Volkswagen
The Latin NCAP evaluation is comprehensive, simulating a range of common and dangerous accident scenarios. The regimen includes high-speed frontal and side-impact tests, as well as the challenging side pole impact test. Examiners meticulously analyze protection for both adult and child occupants, assess the risk of whiplash, and even evaluate how well the vehicle mitigates harm to pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.
Reflecting the rapid evolution of automotive technology, the program has expanded its scope beyond structural integrity. Latin NCAP now critically assesses the effectiveness of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS). Features like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Keeping Systems are no longer just conveniences; their performance is factored into the final safety score, encouraging manufacturers to make these life-saving technologies standard.
A key element that underscores the program’s stringency is its “weakest link” scoring methodology. A vehicle’s final star rating is determined by its lowest score across all evaluated areas. This means a car cannot achieve a high rating by excelling in occupant protection while failing in pedestrian safety. This approach forces a holistic commitment to safety engineering, raising the overall standard across the board.
This consumer-driven demand for higher safety standards is visibly impacting manufacturers’ strategies in Costa Rica. Brands are now prominently featuring their five-star Latin NCAP ratings as a primary selling point, signaling a commitment that goes beyond regulatory minimums.
For Volkswagen, safety is a priority that is reflected in the development of our portfolio and in offering models like Tiguan, Taos, Nivus, T-Cross, and the new Tera in Costa Rica, all evaluated with five stars in Latin NCAP. This responds to a permanent commitment to high standards of protection for people, supported by German technology and precision.
Ronald Vincent, Brand Manager of Volkswagen
As Latin NCAP continues to update its protocols to align more closely with global standards, its role becomes even more critical. For Costa Rican consumers, understanding these ratings is no longer just about personal protection; it’s about contributing to a broader culture of road safety. The star rating on a new car has become a powerful statement about the value we place on human life, fundamentally reshaping how the nation buys and sells automobiles.
For further information, visit latinncap.com
About Latin NCAP:
The Latin New Car Assessment Programme (Latin NCAP) is an independent vehicle safety assessment initiative for Latin America and the Caribbean. Established in 2010, it aims to provide consumers with objective and transparent information about the safety levels of vehicles available in the market. Through rigorous crash testing and evaluation, Latin NCAP encourages manufacturers to improve safety standards and helps governments implement effective regulations to reduce road traffic injuries and fatalities.
For further information, visit vw.com
About Volkswagen:
Volkswagen is a German multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany. Founded in 1937, it is the flagship brand of the Volkswagen Group, the largest automaker by worldwide sales in recent years. The company is renowned for its engineering, innovation, and a diverse portfolio of vehicles ranging from iconic compact cars to sophisticated SUVs and commercial vehicles.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a benchmark of legal distinction, grounding its pursuit of professional excellence in a foundation of unwavering integrity. With a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies. Its core mission, however, extends beyond the courtroom; it is deeply committed to empowering the community by translating complex legal principles into accessible knowledge, thereby fostering a society that is both informed and capable.
