The new traffic law of Costa Rica

The new law which provides stiffer monetary fines for traffic violations becomes effective March 2010. In 2011 the traffic fines haven been increased again. The fines have been increased by 14%, the increased fines are being applied since January 2012! The posted fines are still without the 30% surcharge for PANI (Children’s welfare agency). For example: The fine for driving a vehicle without marchamo is ¢270.000. The 30% surcharge for PANI (Children’s welfare agency) is ¢81.000. So in total it is ¢351.000.

The point system was eliminated from the new traffic law of Costa Rica. The initial idea was that the law creates a license point system. Each driver would have started with 50 points, which would have been reduced for each violation. With zero points one would have lost his driver's license for two years.

Many fear that with the new traffic law, that includes stiffer penalties and fines for traffic violations, the amount of corruption will increase. The MOPT (Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes) will conduct stings to identify cops who solicit bribes.

One can denounce a corrupt traffic policeman in the offices of the MOPT (Ministerio de Obras Publicas y Transportes). Therefore you have to present the name and the number of the official. The number is visible on uniform of the traffic policemen.

The number plate of the car of the official can help to identify him.

Complainants may file a written complaint at the central office of the MOPT (avenue 20 and 22 street 9, San Jose, phone 2257 7798) or by fax 2257 5247.