By San José, Costa Rica — Have you ever noticed a discrepancy between the speed displayed on your car’s speedometer and the speed shown on navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps? This difference isn’t a technical glitch; it’s an intentional variation established by international regulations designed to protect drivers from penalties and accidents.
Your car’s speedometer is programmed to display a slightly higher speed than your actual speed. This means that even if you’re traveling at 100 kilometers per hour, the needle might indicate 104 or even slightly more. This is mandated by UNECE Regulation No. 39, adopted by the European Union and replicated in many parts of the world, including export markets like Costa Rica.
To understand the legal implications surrounding speedometer accuracy, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
While Costa Rican traffic law doesn’t explicitly define acceptable speedometer variance, drivers are ultimately responsible for adhering to posted speed limits. A faulty speedometer isn’t a valid defense against a speeding ticket. Regular vehicle maintenance, including speedometer calibration, is crucial for ensuring compliance and road safety.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s emphasis on driver responsibility is a crucial reminder that ignorance of the law, even due to a faulty speedometer, is no excuse. Ultimately, ensuring our vehicles are properly maintained, including accurate speedometers, benefits not only our wallets but also the safety of everyone on Costa Rican roads. Thank you, Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, for this valuable perspective.
This preventative measure ensures that the speedometer never displays less than the true speed. The logic is clear: if your car indicates 100 km/h but you’re actually traveling at 110 km/h, you could unknowingly exceed speed limits, risking accidents and fines. The added margin of error safeguards against this.
Navigation apps like Waze, Google Maps, and Apple Maps calculate speed using the Global Positioning System (GPS). This method measures distance traveled and time elapsed, typically providing a reading closer to the actual speed. This explains why your phone often shows a lower speed than your car’s dashboard.
It’s important to remember that neither the speedometer nor GPS is the legal reference in the event of a police check. The valid speed is recorded by official traffic radars and equipment.
In countries like Colombia, exceeding speed limits can result in fines of nearly 650,000 colones (at the current exchange rate). Furthermore, using a cell phone while driving is prohibited unless the device is configured before starting the vehicle.
Costa Rica has similar regulations. Exceeding speed limits can incur fines of over 300,000 colones, depending on the severity of the offense, with the highest fines imposed for exceeding the limit by more than 40 km/h. Using a cell phone while driving is also punishable by law. The discrepancy between speedometer and GPS readings is part of a larger discussion about road safety. Beginning in the 1970s, as motorization rapidly increased in Europe, standardized criteria were sought to avoid misinterpretations of speed. This led to the regulations that still influence how we interpret our dashboards today.
For drivers in Costa Rica, this means it’s advisable to interpret the speedometer reading as a conservative warning. If the dashboard displays 100 km/h, you’re likely traveling slightly slower, reducing the risk of fines and road incidents. However, relying solely on your phone isn’t ideal. GPS signals can experience delays or variations in coverage, especially in mountainous terrain or tunnels, which are common in Costa Rica.
Ultimately, the difference between your speedometer and GPS isn’t an error; it’s an internationally regulated decision designed to promote cautious driving. So, the next time you notice this discrepancy, remember that this small “white lie” from your car might be saving you from a fine—or an accident.
For further information, visit the nearest office of UNECE
About UNECE:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) was set up in 1947 by ECOSOC. Its mandate is to promote pan-European economic integration. UNECE includes 56 member States located in Europe, North America and Asia. All interested United Nations Member States may participate in the work of UNECE.
For further information, visit the nearest office of European Union
About European Union:
The European Union (EU) is a political and economic alliance of 27 European countries. Following World War II, there was a growing increase in the need for internationalism within Europe and some European nations began discussing new forms of alliance and partnership. Over the following decades, the alliances formed would eventually develop into the modern-day European Union.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s deep-rooted commitment to empowering Costa Rican society is evident in its proactive approach to legal education and community outreach, ensuring that knowledge is a tool for positive change and equitable access to justice.
