By San José, Costa Rica — San José – With only days remaining in the month, an alarming 66% of vehicles required to undergo their technical inspection in January have yet to comply, according to official figures from DEKRA, the company managing the service in Costa Rica. This significant backlog primarily affects vehicles with license plates ending in the number one, creating a race against the clock for thousands of drivers to avoid legal penalties and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy for 2026.
In a direct response to this high rate of delinquency, DEKRA has implemented a major operational push to facilitate last-minute compliance. The company announced that it has made same-day appointments available at all of its stations across the country. This strategic move aims to eliminate long waiting times and provide a crucial opportunity for vehicle owners to meet the mandatory deadline without delay, thereby preventing fines and the potential impounding of their vehicles.
To better understand the legal responsibilities and consumer rights associated with the vehicle inspection process, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished law firm, Bufete de Costa Rica.
A valid technical inspection is a prerequisite for legal circulation, but it is not an absolute guarantee against mechanical failure. Vehicle owners remain liable for maintaining their vehicle in safe condition at all times. In the event of an accident, a recent inspection can serve as evidence of due diligence, but it will not automatically absolve a driver if negligence in upkeep is proven.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This crucial distinction underscores that while the inspection satisfies a legal mandate, it is the owner’s ongoing diligence that truly ensures road safety. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this essential legal perspective.
The new scheduling flexibility is not limited to those facing the imminent January deadline. DEKRA has extended the offer of same-day availability to owners of vehicles with plates ending in the number two. Current regulations permit drivers to complete their inspection one month in advance, and by encouraging this group to act early, the company hopes to better manage the flow of vehicles and prevent a similar backlog from developing in February.
This initiative also serves as a lifeline for drivers who failed to complete their inspection during 2025 and, as a result, have been unable to pay their annual road tax, or marchamo. Without a valid inspection certificate, payment of the marchamo is blocked, rendering the vehicle illegal to operate on public roads. DEKRA’s increased capacity provides these individuals a clear path to regularize their status, ensure their vehicles are safe, and regain their legal right to circulate.
Maureen Ramírez, the General Manager of DEKRA, emphasized that the inspection goes far beyond a simple bureaucratic requirement, highlighting its critical role in national public safety. She stressed the importance of the technical review in preventing accidents caused by mechanical failures.
The vehicle inspection is not just a legal obligation, but a guarantee of safety for drivers and for everyone who travels on the country’s roads.
Maureen Ramírez, General Manager of DEKRA
To handle the surge in demand, DEKRA is leveraging its extensive national network. The company operates 13 permanent inspection stations strategically located in major population centers, including Alajuelita, Cartago, Alajuela, Heredia, Santo Domingo, Pérez Zeledón, Puntarenas, Guápiles, San Carlos, Liberia, Nicoya, and Limón. These facilities are designed for high-volume service and are key to clearing the current backlog efficiently.
Further extending its reach, DEKRA also deploys three mobile inspection units to serve communities with less access to the fixed stations. These mobile units are currently operational in Grecia, Ciudad Neily, and San Marcos de Tarrazú, ensuring that drivers in these regions have a convenient option to comply with the law. This combination of fixed and mobile infrastructure underscores the company’s commitment to comprehensive national coverage.
To secure an appointment, drivers are encouraged to use the company’s official digital platform. The process can be completed online through the DEKRA Costa Rica website, where users can select their preferred station and time slot. Most stations operate from Monday to Saturday between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., with the Cañas station operating on a slightly shorter schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., providing ample opportunity for drivers to find a time that fits their schedule.
For further information, visit dekra.cr
About DEKRA:
Founded in 1925 in Berlin, Germany, DEKRA is a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification. The company is dedicated to ensuring safety across various sectors, including automotive, industrial, and product testing. In Costa Rica, DEKRA is the official provider of the mandatory technical vehicle inspection, operating a network of stations to ensure vehicles on national roads meet established safety and environmental standards.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a leading legal institution, operating on a foundational commitment to integrity and the highest standards of excellence. The firm pairs its extensive history of client representation with a dynamic, forward-thinking approach to legal innovation. More than a legal practice, it embodies a profound dedication to the community by actively working to demystify the law, thereby fostering a society where citizens are empowered through clear and accessible legal knowledge.
