Published Thursday, March 26, 2020
More than 200 drivers fined for
breaking the night driving ban rule

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Traffic Police fined 247 law breakers on their first night of vehicle restrictions, as part of the measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus covid-19, between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

According to the Traffic Police report, 159 drivers were fined for breaking the night driving ban rule and 115 drivers were also fined for committing other types of infractions.

According to authorities, this ban on driving at night, from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. the next day, will continue until further notice. Authorities call on people to stay home and not drive at night unless it is an emergency.

The infraction for those who drive at night, without being on the exception list, is $40. This fine will be registered under the license plate number in the database of the Road Safety Council, COSEVI. The fine can be paid at any local bank.

The following is a list of exceptions to the night driving ban rule:

- Transport trucks with commercial goods.

- People must use public transport vehicles such as taxis or busses in the case of an emergency as going to the clinic, hospital or even the airport.

- All private transport like Uber is still prohibited.

- People who must drive to their jobs at night. It is imperative to carry a letter from the company stating the place and hours of work.

- Trucks that transport fuel to the gas stations.

- Garbage collection trucks.

- Police, ambulance or firefighter vehicles.

- Workers of public services such as water, electricity, telephone, internet.

- Funeral service vehicles.

- Home delivery services such as food, pharmacy or veterinary emergencies.

- Private security vehicles.

- Vehicles of international organizations that aid in the care of the national state of emergency.

- Workers of medical services organizations such as hospitals, clinics or elders nurseries.

Since last week, government authorities applied additional precautionary measures because of the rise of patients infected with coronavirus covid-19.

Among the most recent changes, the Ministry of Labor announced that with the support of Congress they will be working to modify labor laws in regards to working from home and other improvements for the benefit of employees and employers.

Also, to avoid the shortage in supermarkets, the National Commission of Emergencies requested to eliminate the delivery trucks' schedule limitations.


Another measure was to increase the distribution of drinking water with tanker trucks in places where the suspension of drinking water service was issued by the Public Water Institute, AyA.

Also, the Ministry of Agriculture, in a joint effort with other ministries, announced the close tracking of markets and production flow to guarantee food supply in supermarkets.

Also, all public and private schools, colleges, universities and academies suspended classes from March 17 to April 4. Students are expected to return to school on April 13, extending the end of the school year until December 23.


Another emergency measure announced was that gas stations in the country will close the night shift from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. the next day. According to the chamber, this rule is voluntary and will depend on each company if it decides to apply the night closure.

The public is advised to refuel during the day, in case gas stations in specific communities decide to close at night.


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What are the emergency measures in your country due to the coronavirus? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com


























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