Reckless driving fines increase 121521

- Photo via Ministry of Transports -

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Published on Wednesday, December 15, 2021
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Driving-related fines continue on an upswing, despite the ban-on-driving rule, which was imposed by the government to try to stop the spread of covid-19. The mandate expected to result in fewer vehicles on the roads. It’s been the opposite.

According to the Traffic Police statistics, as of November, police fined 1,738 drivers about $350 in addition to a penalty of 4 points on their driver's license record for transporting children under the age of 12 who were not using a booster seat. Another 138 motorcyclists were fined for transporting children under the age of 5 on a motorcycle. These are the "B-Level" fines.

During the same period, police fined 32,299 drivers to pay $90 for improper parking, classified as C-Level.

As of October, there were 20,786 drivers fined $36, classified as "D-Level," for driving with an expired license or not carrying a car fire extinguisher, among others.

Also from January to October, police arrested 2,121 drivers that tested with over 0.75 grams of alcohol in their system. Fines for drunk driving, speeding, using the opposite lane on a bridge, among others that are classified as an "A-Level" offense. They get a fine of approximately $510 and receive a 6 point penalty on their driver's license record.

According to the Ministry of Transports, the money generated from the fines is used to cover the Traffic Police expenses, road safety campaign expenses, maintain road traffic signs, the Red Cross, among others. Next year, there will be a 1.91% increase in fines for breaking traffic laws.

As of November, officers reported 315 deaths caused by traffic accidents.

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What is the most expensive traffic fine in your country? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com