The Traffic Law, subject to multiple criticisms by a large sector of Costa Rican citizens, was amended in 2017, and the changes came into effect on July 17. This new reform establishes important modifications of the law in which provisions, prohibitions and fines not previously contemplated by said law are indicated.

What are the most important modifications of the Law?

Within these modifications there are reforms and additions to several articles of the Traffic Law; nevertheless, here we break down the ones of greater transcendence:

*The driver who does not carry a driver’s license will pay a fine of twenty-one thousand nine hundred and ninety-two colones with sixty eight cents (¢ 21,992.68); and a driver who is driving a vehicle without the corresponding license must pay a fine of one hundred three thousand six hundred seventy seven-colones with seventy seven cents (¢ 103,679.77).
*The circulation of vehicles with mirror or limousine type polarized windows is prohibited, except for the factory polarization that allows visibility in and out of the vehicle. In case of non-compliance, the fine is one hundred three thousand six hundred seventy seven-colones with seventy seven cents (¢103,679.77).
*A fine of three hundred six thousand eight hundred and fifty colones (¢ 306,850.00) is imposed on that person who refuses to take a breathalyzer test.
*The result of a breathalyzer test can be disputed and a second test is entitled; however, if, in the second test, the result is positive, the person must pay the fine.
*Producing noise, emission of gases, fumes or pollutant particles that exceed the established limits, will be considered serious and therefore a category A fine will be applied. It will be of the same amount indicated above (¢ 306,850.00).
*Those drivers exceeding the maximum capacity of people inside the vehicle, must pay a fine of one hundred three thousand six hundred and seventy-nine colones and seventy-seven cents (¢103,679.77).

Following the same line, the reform of the Traffic Law also prohibits parking:

*In front of entrances or exits of schools, hospitals, clinics, fire stations, Red Cross, public or private parking spaces and garages.
*On roads or sidewalks in a way that impedes free transit, impairs visibility or endangers the safety of others.
*In places marked with yellow stripe.
*At less than 5 meters from a hydrant or pedestrian crossing areas, less than 10 meters from an intersection at urban roads or less than 25 meters from an intersection at non-urban roads.

In addition to these modifications made upon the prohibitions and amounts of the fines, there are also new reasons that authorize the traffic officials to carry out the removal of the plates, such as:

*When the right of circulation or compulsory insurance has not been paid.
*When a public transport unit equipped with a ramp or platform circulates with the device in poor condition.
*When the vehicle is used to provide public transport service without the respective authorizations.
*Produce noise or emissions of polluting gases, fumes or particles that exceed the established limits.
*When the vehicle obstructs public roads, the circulation of people and vehicles, sidewalks, bike lanes or when it remains badly parked.

Compliance with the Traffic Law is vital to avoid the growing wave of road deaths as well as accidents that result in severe material damage.

If you need any help or just seek for advise, feel free to get in touch, we are here to help!  https://erplawyers.net/en/contact-us/