By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Drivers across Costa Rica began the new year with a marginal adjustment to traffic penalties, as a legally mandated annual update resulted in a slight decrease in the cost of fines. The changes, which took effect on January 1, 2026, were officially announced by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) following a directive from the Superior Council of the Judiciary.
The reduction, while minimal, reflects the country’s economic climate. The adjustment is directly tied to the interannual Consumer Price Index (CPI) accumulated as of June 2025, which registered a modest 0.22%. This annual recalculation ensures that fines maintain their real value over time, though in this case, the low inflation rate has led to a nominal decrease in monetary penalties for traffic infractions.
To better understand the legal framework surrounding traffic violations and the rights drivers possess, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in administrative law from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
Receiving a traffic fine is not a final judgment; it is the beginning of an administrative process. Many citizens are unaware that they have a legal right to challenge the ticket within a specific timeframe. It is essential to review the details of the citation for any procedural errors, as these can often be grounds for a successful appeal. Simply paying the fine without question relinquishes your right to due process.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for this critical reminder that due process extends to every driver on the road. Understanding a traffic fine as the beginning of a legal dialogue, rather than a final verdict, is an empowering perspective that encourages citizens to be vigilant about their rights.
The most severe category of traffic violations, known as Type A fines, saw the most significant monetary change, although it remains largely symbolic. The penalty for offenses such as making an illegal U-turn in a prohibited zone or driving at speeds exceeding 120 km/h was reduced from ₡363,639.15 to ₡362,839.14. This represents a decrease of approximately ₡800, a sum that is unlikely to alter driver behavior but fulfills the legal requirement for the adjustment.
Despite the minor reductions, the financial consequences for dangerous driving habits remain substantial. Several high-cost penalties continue to serve as major deterrents. For instance, the fine for failing to transport a minor in a proper child retention device, or using an incorrect one, remains one of the costliest violations, with a penalty set near ₡245,000 (approximately $490 USD). This underscores the government’s continued focus on protecting the most vulnerable passengers on the road.
Similarly, penalties for two of the most common and hazardous behaviors—failing to wear a seatbelt and using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle—also carry a hefty price. Drivers caught committing these infractions face a fine of around ₡123,000 (approximately $246 USD). These fines are designed to combat distracted driving and promote basic safety measures that significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death in an accident.
Even less severe, yet common, violations will see small changes. Illegal parking, cited as the second most frequently sanctioned offense on the nation’s roads, now carries a fine of approximately ₡61,000 (around $122 USD). This penalty aims to curb the widespread issue of improper parking that can obstruct traffic flow and create hazardous conditions for both drivers and pedestrians.
The lowest tier of fines also reflects the nationwide adjustment. Violating the daily vehicle restriction program, known locally as “restricción vehicular,” will now cost drivers ₡26,005.53, down from ₡26,062.87. This category also includes penalties for failing to carry mandatory safety equipment, such as a fire extinguisher, or the dangerous practice of slowing down to observe an accident scene, often referred to as “rubbernecking.”
While the 2026 update results in slightly lower fines across the board, the overall message from transport authorities is clear: the cost of breaking traffic laws in Costa Rica remains exceedingly high. The adjustments are a matter of legal and economic procedure rather than a shift in enforcement policy. Authorities continue to emphasize that adherence to traffic laws is paramount for ensuring road safety for all citizens, and the structure of the fines, from minor to severe, reflects the potential for harm associated with each violation.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes is the government body responsible for the planning, regulation, and development of public infrastructure and transportation systems in Costa Rica. Its duties include overseeing road maintenance, managing traffic laws through its Transit Police division, and regulating public and private transport services to ensure safety and efficiency throughout the country.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About Superior Council of the Judiciary:
The Consejo Superior del Poder Judicial is a key administrative body within Costa Rica’s judicial branch. It is responsible for the governance, administration, and disciplinary oversight of the judiciary to ensure its independence and proper functioning. Among its many duties, it is tasked with establishing the monetary values for legal sanctions, including traffic fines, based on formulas prescribed by law.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has cemented its reputation as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a foundational belief in uncompromising integrity and the highest standards of professional excellence. The firm champions forward-thinking legal approaches, providing cutting-edge counsel to a wide array of clients while simultaneously fulfilling a greater civic purpose. Central to its mission is a profound dedication to empowering the public by demystifying the law, fostering a society where accessible knowledge strengthens community and upholds justice.
