Home / Travel Services / Affordable Car Rental / Driving in Costa Rica (Rules and Regulations): The most important legal requirements
The four words “driving in Costa Rica” alongside the three words “rules and regulations” will bring a smile to the faces of most people, foreigners and Ticos alike, who have experience behind the wheel inside of this country. They might even bring sarcastic laughter as old hands know down here that the only real rule is that there are no rules.
Well – that’s a little inaccurate – there are rules for driving in Costa Rica, it’s just that nobody really cares about them, including the transitos (the Costa Rican traffic police, akin to the Highway Patrol in the United States). The laws of the road are frequently ignored by all drivers to an extent where people who do actually obey basics like speed limits are seen as oddities at best and dangerous at worst. Actually, it’s extremely difficult to adhere to speed limits due to the near universal lack of signage throughout the country letting you know the speed you should be driving at in the first place! Sad, but true.
Drivers routinely overtake on both sides, rarely trouble themselves with signaling before turning, and treat Costa Rica’s roads like they are competing in the Daytona 500. People just don’t really receive proper, official driving lessons, and to get a new license in Costa Rica (for Costa Ricans – not expats) all that is required is a medical examination and a short written test. Once the license has been received, that is the point where they “learn” to drive, using the trial and error method of the open road. Many people never learn properly because they just copy the bad habits of everyone else around them and on it goes. That’s just how it is in Costa Rica!
And motorcycles. Don’t mention motorcycles! These guys weave in and out with impunity, often just on one wheel, acting like they own the road. Although helmets are mandatory in Costa Rica, oftentimes people ignore that rule (like all the others) and fatality rates are high.
When it comes to traffic police, it’s important to note that they are not interested in enforcing laws. You will occasionally see them on the side of a rural road with a speed gun, but the truth is that that is often more about soliciting a bribe than trying to keep people from driving too fast. The transitos are really just around to respond to accidents rather than from making sure that accidents don’t happen in the first place. When you’re out on the road in Costa Rica, you’re on your own. It’s an every man for himself mindset.
Costa Rican roads themselves are generally in a bad condition. There are a couple of new highways that have opened up in recent years – Ruta 27 from San Jose to the Pacific port of Caldera, Ruta 34, which runs down the Central and Southern Pacific coast from the 27 near Caldera to Palmar Sur in the south, and some stretches of the Interamericana in Guanacaste. But outside of these new roads, the infrastructure is bad. Potholes the size of small vehicles are common and signage, as already mentioned, is virtually non-existant. Bridges often collapse under the weight of trucks and landslides can knock out roads and routes for days or weeks, especially during the rainy season. Welcome to life in the developed world.
Costa Rican cities are built in grid formation, and the vast majority of them have one-way rules to deal with traffic and ensure it flows smoothly. Again, due to lack of signage and just lack of respect for the rules, many people ignore them and chaos ensues. That’s not exactly fair in the bigger Central Valley cities such as the capital, San Jose, or Alajuela, as there are some – some – semblance of rules in these places, but the reality is that due to the chronic traffic jams in these cities, not to mention lack of parking, no-one in their right mind would consider driving in them anyway.
All in all, the driving situation in Costa Rica is not great, not if you’re used to driving in the developed world or driving in a place where the rules of the world are respected and adhered to. Most travel agencies and experts in Costa Rica recommend that tourists coming to Costa Rica on vacation don’t drive at all, and leave it the professionals who know the roads and the conditions. For tourists who insist on renting a car in Costa Rica, travel experts basically tell them how it is and let them know that they need to be adventurous, aggressive drivers in order to succeed on the roads. Driving in Costa Rica is not for the faint-hearted and it’s only fair that people coming down with the intention of driving know that.
Now with all that said, it is possible to drive around Costa Rica and have a lot of fun doing so. As long you’re aware of how things are, and all the craziness of the roads in Costa Rica are no big surprise, then getting out on the road can be good, and if you’re living in Costa Rica (as opposed to just vacationing in Costa Rica), it’s often essential. Rural areas are better to drive in as there’s less traffic, although the roads are generally far, far worse. Cities are a no-go because there is too much traffic and the narrow streets clog up with cars leaving you sitting amid honking horns and rising tempers. Not good. Anywhere else lies somewhere between these two extremes. It can be done, of course, and many do it. It’s just not for everyone.
The most important legal requirements for driving in Costa Rica are detailed below, but this list is by no means exhaustive:
What Should I Do If I’m Involved In An Accident Driving in Costa Rica?
The follow tips will help you to sort out the incident:
- Do NOT move the vehicle.
- Call your car rental representative on your complimentary cell phone.
- Wait for the Transit Police to arrive.
- Stay close to your vehicle if you can do so without being in danger from other road users.
- You may move the vehicle with the consent of the Transit Police AFTER they have investigated the scene of the accident.
What are local speed limits?
If you are used to driving on the flat and carefully maintained highways in North America and much of Europe, you’ll be accustomed to driving at greater speeds than is generally permitted in Costa Rica.
A guideline to speed limits while driving in Costa Rica would be:
On highways: 90 kph/54 mph
In urban areas: 40 kph/24 mph
Near schools and hospitals: 25 kph/15 mph
- Be aware of the posted speed limit and be prepared for sudden decrease or increase in that limit over a short distance. Restrictions in place for schools should be observed throughout the day and even into the night as most educational institutions work with students entering in shifts throughout the day and nocturnal classes for mature students.
- The definition of an urban area is fairly loose; a city or town in Costa Rica is considerably smaller than its North American counterpart.
- If you are given a speeding ticket, do NOT pay any cash to the police officer who issues the ticket. You should take the ticket to a state-owned bank to pay it and present the receipt to your car rental company upon your return.
What Should I Do If The Police Pull Me Over?
Stop!
The police may ask to see your documentation and you should provide your driver’s license, your passport and rental vehicle documentation.
Do NOT hand over your original passport and/or drivers license. Present a copy instead; keep your originals safe — preferably on you at all times in a money belt.
The passengers in the car should also be able to provide a copy of their passports, the officer cannot retain any of your documentation.
If you are in any doubt as to the conduct of an officer, call your car rental representative immediately for advice.
What Should I NOT Do?
- Drive at night. Try to plan your journey to arrive at your final destination by 5:30p.m. to avoid driving after dark.
- Park in badly lit areas. Find a secure parking lot and make sure that no valuables are left behind.
- Leave valuables, loose change or anything else that might be visible to an opportunistic thief.
- Drive or ride in the car without a seatbelt or appropriate child seating. You will be fined.
- Drive onto the beach. This is illegal and voids all insurance policies.
- Drive through rivers.
- Drive under the influence as this too is illegal and voids all insurances.
- Pick up hitchhikers — no matter how desperate they may look. Call someone instead.
- Drive without due caution past pedestrians and cyclists, especially on unpaved roads where you can splash them on a rainy day or throw stones from your wheels.
So what practicalities does one need to know about driving in Costa Rica? Outside of all of the crazy, no-rules stuff? Are there any guidelines to adhere to in order to make things as smooth as possible? Well, yes there are. Here’s a couple below:
- Nighttime driving. This one is simple. DON’T. All of the craziness on Costa Rican roads is magnified at night. Not to mention there are more drunk drivers at night and potholes are harder to see. Not even the majority of Costa Ricans like driving at night at all.
- Talking of drunk drivers, don’t drink and drive in Costa Rica. You need your wits about you enough, without driving while impaired. Just because it often seems like everyone else is doing this (and a lot do), doesn’t mean that you should. There are laws about drink driving in Costa Rica. In fact, they got harsher in recent years, which is a good thing. The only problem is that they are rarely enforced.
- Accidents. In the event that you are involved in an accident in Costa Rica, the important thing to remember is to not move your car. In the US, Canada, Europe or wherever, the automatic instinct after a fender bender is to pull over to the side of the road to inspect the damage and swap insurance details and so on. In Costa Rica, this is prohibited. It’s about the one rule that is strictly enforced. In a collision, both cars need to stay in the same place in the middle of the road and not move until the police get there and interview both drivers. This blocks up traffic, coming and going, on both sides of the road, but those are the rules. Moving your car immediately afterwards can result in big trouble and possible jail time. Just know also that your car might be there in the middle of the road for hours until the police – and an insurance investigator – show up.
- Your license. Foreign drivers in Costa Rica can use their driving licenses issued by the country of their origin for up to 90 days. After that, they either need to get a Costa Rican license or leave the country and reenter in order to use their home-country license for another 90 days. Getting a Costa Rican license is ONLY possible with official Costa Rican residency. Once residency is obtained, it’s easy to obtain a license by bringing your valid foreign license to the COSEVI office in San Jose (COSEVI is the Costa Rican equivalent of the DMV) and presenting that alongside your residency card and certificate verifying that you’ve taken the medical examination (available at the office), as well as a receipt for the COSEVI fee that must be paid in a local bank (around $20). Once you have all that, you’re good to go!
Keeping these four points in mind, as well as the aforementioned aggressive and adventurous attitude to driving talked about above, really sums up what you need to know about driving in Costa Rica. Pura vida!
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Andrew Makarik
to@welovecostarica.com
Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals.Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.
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FAQs
What are the rules for driving in Costa Rica? ›
- Drive on the right and overtake on the left.
- Passing on the right is not allowed.
- All occupants of the vehicle should wear seat belts.
- Child's seats are required for children under 12 or smaller than 1.45m.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol is taken seriously.
Alcohol in Costa Rica
You are not permitted to drink in any public space nor exceed a blood alcohol concentration of more than 0.05% mg while driving. Depending on the case, this can result in a $410 fine or at least 3 years in jail.
Most visitors can drive in Costa Rica with a valid driver's license from their home country. An international driver's license is only necessary if the home license is written in a different alphabet, such as Mandarin, Arabic, or Hebrew.
What are the important rules of the road? ›- Drivers must use the right side of the road. ...
- Drunk driving is prohibited in all states. ...
- Every state has seat belt laws. ...
- Nearly every state requires auto insurance. ...
- Right of way is given, not taken. ...
- Yield right of way to emergency vehicles. ...
- Drivers proceed in the order they arrive at traffic stops.
In Costa Rica, right turns on red are allowed in general, but a sign can forbid them.
Can you self drive in Costa Rica? ›Costa Rica is full of opportunities for adventure—and one of the best ways to explore is on a self-drive road trip. Renting your own car means you have the freedom to take spontaneous detours and side trips.
Why can't you drive at night in Costa Rica? ›Costa Rican roads
Driving outside of San José at night can be dangerous due to narrow or poorly maintained roads, many of which lack adequate lighting, markings, guardrails, and street signs. Some streets are marked incorrectly; others are not marked at all.
Don't drive first in line. Don't drive a big SUV or sporty car. If you do get pulled over it's best to stay calm and politely request a citation stating that you'll be happy to pay it at the end of your trip through your rental agency. Do not offer a bribe or put money in your passport.
Is a U.S. driver's license valid internationally? ›When visiting another country as a U.S. citizen: Your state driver's license is valid while driving in Canada and Mexico. In other countries, you may need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) for foreign drivers.
Does Costa Rica require an international driving permit? ›Do I need an international driver's license in Costa Rica? You do not need an international driver's license but will need a valid license from your home country for a minimum of two consecutive years.
Can you drive in any country with an American license? ›
Many countries do not recognize a U.S. driver's license, but most accept an International Driving Permit (IDP) that you can get from the AAA (American Automobile Association) before you leave. IDPs may not be valid the whole time you stay abroad and/or may only be valid with a U.S. or local license.
What is the first rules of the road? ›First rule of the road: Everyone remember just who comes first.
What is the most important thing in driving? ›1. OBEY ALL TRAFFIC RULES. From road signs to right-of-way, there are rules drivers are required to understand and follow. Following the speed limit, leaving adequate space between you and the car in front of you, obeying traffic signals, and wearing your seatbelt are just a few of them.
What is the most important rule of driving safety? ›Always lock your doors and wear your seatbelt to protect you from being thrown from the car in a crash. Be aware of your surroundings — pay attention. Check your mirrors frequently and scan conditions 20 to 30 seconds ahead of you. Keep your eyes moving.
How do you pay tolls in Costa Rica? ›You can pay these tolls in cash or credit card. They also accept both USD and CRC (local currency). However, we recommend to use Costa Rican currency since they do not use a very good exchange rate but if you have to use USD, you can pay in 1, 5, 10 and 20s bills.
Can you drive at night in Costa Rica? ›Driving at Night
Until you're comfortable driving in Costa Rica, avoid driving long distances at night. Street lighting is used less frequently than what you're probably used to. Couple that with narrow, curvy roads with no guardrails, and it can be downright scary to drive after dark.
Tips for renting a car in Costa Rica
If you're planning a trip to Costa Rica, you're in luck. It is considered safe to rent a car in Costa Rica. However, foreigners are sometimes intimidated by the aggressive driving of the locals and the overall lack of road signage. It's best to scout out your route ahead of time.
They drive on the right-hand side of the road in Costa Rica – the same as in the United States and Canada.
Do you need insurance to drive in Costa Rica? ›In conformity with Costa Rican law, liability insurance is mandatory from the Government body INS which requires all drivers within the state to obtain it before using their cars.
Can you drive a side by side in Costa Rica? ›You will need a valid driver's license to legally drive and ATV or UTV in Costa Rica.
Can you drink tap water in Costa Rica? ›
It's completely safe to drink the tap water over the majority of the country. That includes your luxury vacation rentals in Guanacaste! Costa Rica is quite notable in Latin America as 92.5% of the population has access to drinking water.
Do you tip in Costa Rica? ›Unlike the U.S., all Costa Rican restaurants will automatically add a 10 percent gratuity to your bill before it's given to you, in addition to the 13 percent tax. In Costa Rican eateries, tipping is optional.
Can you buy Xanax in Costa Rica? ›You can't legally have Xanax unless it was prescribed to you. You are also required to bring the original bottles from the pharmacy. That's the official word. Is life hard in Costa Rica?
Can you drink alcohol while driving in Costa Rica? ›The alcohol limit for driving in Costa Rica is 0.50-0.75 grams (when breathalyzed), or 0.25-0.38 milligrams in a blood test. If you're over these limits when stopped while driving in Costa Rica, you can expect a MINIMUM fine of 327,713 colones (approx. $510) and possibly 1-3 years in jail.
How much is gas in Costa Rica? ›| Related | Last | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline Prices | 1.31 | USD/Liter |
In addition to the main highways there are smaller roads that can also be extremely hazardous during the country's rainy season.: Route 239 and 317 which are in the vicinity of the town of Puriscal, 141 that goes to Zarcero, 118 near to the Poás Volcano in Alajuela and 209 in the Acosta area.
What happens if you get caught with edibles in Costa Rica? ›Police Enforcement in Costa Rica (Fuerza Pública) does not have a specific protocol to deal with cannabis users, nonetheless in case of possession of "small dosages" (informally considered somewhat between 1 - 8 grams) they will confiscate the drugs. In the case of a larger amount they may proceed with a formal arrest.
Do you have to ask for the check in Costa Rica? ›La cuenta, por favor = The bill, please. In Costa Rica, the server won't bring this unless you ask for it.
Are helmets required in Costa Rica? ›In Costa Rica, helmets are mandatory for both the driver and the passenger. It's also crucial to follow all traffic laws, including speed limits and road signs. It's worth noting that the road conditions in Costa Rica can vary greatly.
How does a US citizen get an international driver's license? ›In the US, individuals at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license from a U.S. state or territory, can purchase an official IDP. To get an IDP, you need to have a valid driver's license from any U.S. State, fill out the international drivers license application and pay the fee.
How do I convert my foreign driving Licence to the USA? ›
Documents Required
You must present documentation showing your identity, residential address, and US citizenship or proof of lawful status in the United States. Your full Social Security Number must be provided on the required online License/ID/Permit Form. Please refer to Real ID Requirements for more information.
An IDP accompaning a US driver's license can only be issued in the USA. Many countries require an IDP to drive legally. Fines for driving without an IDP can be quite costly. Check countries requirements before travel.
Can you go to Costa Rica without a US passport? ›Do I need a passport to travel to Costa Rica? Yes, U.S. citizens must have a current valid passport and evidence of onward travel to exit Costa Rica (either to return to the U.S. or travel to another country).
How long does it take to drive across Costa Rica? ›It is possible to visit both the Caribbean and Pacific coast of Costa Rica. You will have to break up the drive as it's around 9-10 hours coast to coast. Or you can fly, which is fastest. I do recommend having at least 2 weeks in Costa Rica if you want to visit both coasts.
How do I get a permit in Costa Rica? ›- A letter of application, addressed to the Consul of Costa Rica, clearly requiresting a Residency Provisional Visa. ...
- Your birth certificate.
- Certificate of police clearance from your country.
- You valid passport and copies of all the pages on your passport, even blank ones.
International Driver's Licenses are not required in Europe. It is possible to drive without one, but if you are driving in another country and want a license that works internationally (meaning you can use it in multiple countries you will probably want to get an International Driver's License.
Which U.S. states accept foreign drivers license? ›All U.S. states recognize foreign drivers' licenses. In most cases, your license will be valid for up to 4 months after the date you enter the U.S. Consult the DMV in the state where you wish to drive to confirm the length of validity and the rules for driving with a foreign driver's license.
Which countries require an international driver's permit? ›An IDP is required in popular destinations such as Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia and Laos. Note that China never signed onto the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Travel. Americans cannot rent a car in China without first getting a Chinese driver's license.
What are the six basic rules of the road? ›- Control your speed. The risk of crashing increases with speed. ...
- Wear your helmet. ...
- Refrain from handling your mobile device. ...
- Fasten your seatbelt. ...
- Use appropriate child restraints. ...
- Do not drink and drive.
According to him, the rule of the road means that the liberties of everybody must be curtailed for the liberties of all to be preserved. If everybody gets in everybody else's way, nobody will get anywhere. Individual liberty would become social anarchy.
Who goes first on the road? ›
Without STOP or YIELD signs: The vehicle that arrives to the intersection first has the right-of-way. However, if a vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist gets to the intersection at the same time as you, give the right-of-way to the vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist on your right.
What are 3 things you must always have in the car when driving? ›License, Insurance, and Registration
It may seem obvious, but you should always have your license, registration, and insurance in the car whenever you are driving it. Especially when the new insurance card comes in the mail, remembering to actually stick it in the glove box could take months.
- Always buckle up. ...
- Put away your cell phone. ...
- Rid yourself of all distractions. ...
- Set all of your vehicle's controls before you begin to drive. ...
- Use your turn signals. ...
- Obey the speed limits. ...
- Stop at stop signs. ...
- Check you blind spots.
If the other drivers do not give way to you, do not commit the same mistake they are doing. Give way to fire engines and ambulances by driving your vehicles to the side of the road. Give way to pedestrians at crossings that are not regulated. Give way to traffic already in the lane you are moving into.
What are the 4 principles of safe driving? ›LLLC stands for look ahead, look around, leave room, and communicate. These four principles encompass all safe driving techniques, and best of all, these safe driving tips are easy to memorize and teach.
What are the 3 basic principles of defensive driving? ›Although there are many specific techniques involved in professional and defensive driving, I would like to explain three key concepts that I believe are cornerstones to this skillset: 1) preventability versus fault, 2) following distance, and 3) detachment from other drivers.
Is it smart to rent a car in Costa Rica? ›If you're planning a trip and wondering “should I rent a car in Costa Rica?” The answer is yes! You'll be exploring Costa Rica at your own pace and can see more of what the country has to offer. Keep in mind that more than 50% of the country is densely forested and underdeveloped.
Do you tip drivers in Costa Rica? ›If you're visiting Costa Rica from a country where tipping isn't commonly practiced, you may not feel comfortable tipping tour guides, drivers, waiters/waitresses, and/or hotel staff in Costa Rica. This is your prerogative, even though most service staff in Costa Rica hope, if not expect, to receive a tip.
Should Americans drive in Costa Rica? ›Yes, driving in Costa Rica is generally safe. However, it's important to be aware of the road conditions, local traffic laws and practice defensive driving at all times.
How much does it cost to live in Costa Rica in US dollars? ›Cost of Living in Costa Rica: $1,100 to $4,000
An expat can average $1,100 per month on a tight budget, but even the most budget-conscious retirees and digital nomads will do best with a $2,000+ a month budget for a couple.
Do you pump gas in Costa Rica? ›
Gas Stations in Costa Rica
All gas stations are full service meaning you don't pump your own gas. The attendant will ask you what kind of gas you'd like and expect you to open the cover to the tank. You can pay by credit card and a tip is always appreciate in cash.
All gas stations in Costa Rica are full service. Tips are appreciated but not expected.
How much is a monthly car rental in Costa Rica? ›On average a rental car in Costa Rica costs $480 per month ($16 per day).
Can you live in Costa Rica without a car? ›Getting around Costa Rica without a car is certainly feasible, but it's likely to be either expensive or time-consuming. So, if you prefer to relax and enjoy, rather than hailing a taxi or waiting for your drop-off in a shared shuttle, renting a car is right for you.
Is Uber available in Costa Rica? ›The Uber app makes Uber a convenient and easy-to-use rideshare option in Costa Rica. Multiple options to pay for your trip. Another benefit Uber offers is that you can choose how you want to be charged (credit card, debit card, or cash).