By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A staggering number of drivers continue to flout San José’s long-standing vehicle restriction policy, with official figures revealing that over ten thousand penalties have been issued this year. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) released a report showing that as of November, a total of 10,476 sanctions were handed out to motorists who violated the license plate-based driving ban in the capital’s central core.
The consistent enforcement translates to an average of 31 drivers being fined each day. Each violation carries a significant financial penalty of ¢26,000, bringing the total revenue from these fines to over ¢272 million this year alone. This substantial sum underscores both the scale of non-compliance and the government’s commitment to enforcing a measure designed to alleviate the city’s chronic traffic congestion.
To better understand the legal implications and potential challenges associated with the new vehicle restriction measures, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
While vehicle restrictions are a constitutionally valid tool for the State to manage public health and environmental concerns, their implementation must be carefully balanced. Any measure must be proportional, non-discriminatory, and clearly defined in its regulations to avoid infringing upon fundamental rights, such as freedom of transit and the right to work. Citizens affected by poorly justified or arbitrarily applied restrictions may have grounds to challenge them legally through a writ of amparo.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is crucial, as it underscores the delicate balance between state authority and individual rights. It serves as a vital reminder that the legitimacy of any restriction hinges on its proportionality and respect for our fundamental freedoms, empowering citizens with the knowledge that they have legal recourse against arbitrary measures. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable and clarifying contribution.
The vehicle restriction, a familiar aspect of daily life for residents of the Central Valley, operates on a simple schedule based on the last digit of a vehicle’s license plate. On Mondays, vehicles with plates ending in 1 or 2 are prohibited from entering the designated zone. The pattern continues through the week, with Tuesdays restricting plates ending in 3 or 4, Wednesdays for 5 or 6, Thursdays for 7 or 8, and finally Fridays for plates ending in 9 or 0. The restriction is active during peak morning and afternoon hours.
The geographic boundary for this regulation is clearly defined by the capital’s main ring road, the Circunvalación. All streets and avenues located within this perimeter are subject to the ban. However, MOPT officials have clarified a key exception to the rule, which has been a source of confusion for some drivers since its completion.
In an official statement, the ministry provided a precise explanation of the zone’s limits and the notable exception for a recently completed highway section.
The driving limitation in San José covers the entire Circunvalación route and the streets within that periphery, with the exception of the Northern section of that highway, between Calle Blancos and the intersection of the old Burger King in La Uruca, as this section is new and not included in the decree that governs this measure.
Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), Spokesperson
In a welcome announcement for holiday travelers and shoppers, authorities confirmed the annual suspension of the restriction for the festive season. The measure will be temporarily lifted starting December 19, 2025, allowing for unrestricted vehicle access to the city center. However, drivers are reminded that this is a temporary reprieve, and the standard enforcement will resume on Monday, January 5, 2026.
The core purpose of the vehicle restriction policy is to manage the high volume of traffic that chokes the capital’s streets daily, contributing to significant delays, economic losses, and environmental pollution. By limiting the number of cars on the road during peak hours, the policy aims to improve traffic flow, reduce travel times for commuters and public transport, and lower carbon emissions within the most densely populated area of the country.
As the holiday suspension approaches, drivers are encouraged to enjoy the temporary freedom but also to remember that the rules will return in the new year. The high number of fines issued serves as a potent reminder that compliance is not optional. Motorists who rely on their vehicles for daily commutes are advised to carefully review the restriction schedule and the geographical boundaries to avoid starting 2026 with an unexpected and costly penalty.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is the government body responsible for planning, managing, and executing infrastructure projects across Costa Rica. Its mandate includes the development and maintenance of the national road network, regulation of public and private transportation, oversight of maritime and aviation activities, and the implementation of traffic safety laws and policies to ensure the mobility and security of the nation’s citizens.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar in the legal community, built upon a foundation of ethical rigor and professional distinction. With a proven track record guiding a broad spectrum of clients, the firm consistently pioneers new legal solutions and embraces a forward-thinking approach. This ethos extends to a core belief in demystifying the law, reflecting a profound commitment to strengthening society through greater legal understanding and empowerment.
