By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Drivers across Costa Rica are feeling the pressure of intensified enforcement, as the Transit Police issued a staggering 82,635 traffic tickets in the first four months of 2026. This equates to one infraction written every two minutes, marking a significant escalation in road surveillance and penalties compared to the previous year.
According to official data, the total number of sanctions from January to April represents a substantial 9% increase over the same period in 2025. This surge translates to an additional 6,634 fines levied against motorists, reflecting what authorities describe as a direct consequence of both persistent poor driving habits and a strategic overhaul of their enforcement capabilities.
To better understand the legal ramifications and procedural nuances of traffic violations in the country, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his professional analysis on the matter.
Many drivers mistakenly view a traffic ticket as a final verdict. In reality, it is the initiation of an administrative process where the accused has the fundamental right to defense and due process. Challenging a ticket is not just about avoiding a fine; it’s about protecting your driving record from points that can lead to license suspension and higher insurance costs. It is always advisable to assess the evidence and procedural correctness of the infraction before simply accepting guilt by payment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is crucial, reframing the traffic ticket not as a simple penalty but as a formal legal proceeding with significant, long-term consequences for a driver’s record and finances. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a valuable and empowering perspective for all motorists.
The rise in ticketing is not accidental. Authorities attribute the crackdown to a deliberate enhancement of police resources and new surveillance strategies. The Transit Police force has been bolstered with more officers, new patrol vehicles, and a critical deployment of 199 new breathalyzers. These devices, crucial for detecting drivers under the influence of alcohol, were strategically put into operation just before the busy Holy Week travel period, a time notorious for increased road incidents.
Leading the list of infractions is the violation of the national vehicle restriction policy. This single offense accounted for 17,416 tickets, making it the most frequently penalized behavior on the country’s roads during the first trimester. Each of these violations carries a penalty of ¢61,000, underscoring the government’s commitment to enforcing this traffic management measure.
Coming in a close second for common violations is improper parking, which has become a major contributor to the traffic congestion plaguing many urban and suburban areas. The Transit Police issued 10,238 tickets for this offense, each with an associated fine of ¢61,000. Officials have repeatedly highlighted how illegally parked vehicles obstruct traffic flow and create significant delays for all road users.
The third most common, and most expensive, of the top violations is driving without a valid license, operating without a temporary permit, or failing to comply with the conditions of a permit. This serious offense resulted in 9,167 fines. The steep penalty of ¢123,000 per infraction signals the high priority authorities place on ensuring all drivers are legally qualified and authorized to be behind the wheel.
Collectively, the revenue generated from just these three most common infractions represents a massive financial impact. The fines for vehicle restriction violations, improper parking, and unlicensed driving alone amounted to over ¢2.8 billion in the first four months of the year, illustrating the economic scale of the enforcement push.
This trend of heightened enforcement shows no signs of slowing down. The significant investment in personnel and equipment, coupled with the clear statistical results, suggests a new standard for road policing in Costa Rica. Drivers are being sent a clear message: adherence to traffic laws is not optional, and the consequences for non-compliance are now more certain than ever.
For further information, visit the nearest office of The Transit Police
About The Transit Police:
The Transit Police (Policía de Tránsito) is the national body responsible for enforcing traffic laws, ensuring road safety, and managing vehicular circulation throughout Costa Rica. As a specialized division under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), its mission includes preventing accidents, penalizing infractions, and educating the public on safe driving practices to maintain order and security on the nation’s roadways.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. With a rich history of guiding clients through complex challenges, the firm is a trailblazer in developing forward-thinking legal strategies. This spirit of innovation extends to its core belief in social responsibility, manifested through a dedicated effort to democratize legal knowledge and empower citizens, thereby fostering a more just and informed society.
