Reckless driving continues on an upswing in Costa Rica. Authorities have fined over 7,161 drivers for breaking the Traffic Law, according to Traffic Police.

 

As of August, Traffic Police officers fined 1,417 drivers for disrespecting the yellow line and invading the oncoming lane. The fine is $530 in addition to a 6-point penalty on the driver's license.

When a driver is penalized on their driving record, they are forced to retake the driving course and score a minimum of 80 points out of 100 to renew their driver's license.

Speeding is another issue for police. There have been 4,525 drivers fined for speeding, compared to the same period last year, which was about 3,300. The fine for driving over 80 miles per hour is about $480 in addition to the 6-point penalty on the driver's license. 

Police fined 631 drivers for making an unlawful U-turn. The fine is $530 in addition to a 6-point penalty on the driver's license.

Police said that 392 fines have been issued for a driver passing on a curve. Their fine for this infraction is the same as those fined for making unlawful U-turns.

Also, 196 drivers have been fined for driving with a suspended license. Police officers said that the serious thing about this is that those fined are people who "committed such a serious offense that they lost their right to drive for a year, but they continue driving." The drivers are fined a $530 fine plus a six-point penalty on their driving record. 

As of August, Traffic Police reported 314 traffic accident deaths.

 

Last year, more than 300 people died in traffic accidents.

Traffic Police officers urge people to report suspects of breaking the traffic law by dialing the 911 emergency line.

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