QCOSTARICA — Traffic infractions in Costa Rica not only cost the drivers out of pocket (financial penalties) but also points on their driver’s license.
Here is a very straightforward question: How is the driving in Costa Rica? Do we drive well or badly?
The number of traffic accidents could indicate the answer.
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In Costa Rica, the process to become a driver begins with the theoretical exam, then the road test; but when serious infractions are committed, drivers must return to the classroom. Literally.
When you get a driver’s license for the first time (for three years), you get 6 points that you must take care of as a novice; On renewal of the license (for six years), if you have had a clean driving record, you have 12 points available.
But there are a series of infractions that will make you lose 6 points at once and come with a fine of ¢364,000 colones:
- Drunk driving
- Driving at more than 120 km/h
- Driving with an expired license.
- Overtaking on curves, intersections or bridges
- Crossing a solid line
- Making a U-turn
- Excessive (vehicle) noise.
- Refusing to take a breathalyzer test
If you lose 6 points, you have to take a one-week course in Educación Vial (Traffic Education), take the test, and pass with a 70, but there is another option: community service. Here the driver chooses an organization to complete a minimum number of hours, in this way they manage to recover their points and can renew their driver’s license.
Note, if you are a first-time driver and have not renewed your license on expiry (bringing your total points to 12), if stopped by a traffic official (Transito) will result in a loss of 6 points, your expired license will be immediately confiscated and you will be unable to drive for a year.
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