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Published Wednesday, December 16, 2020
More than 4,000 drivers
fined for speeding
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
Despite the ban-on-driving rule, imposed by the government to try to stop the spread of covid-19 and which caused a significant decrease in the number of vehicles on the roads, fines for speeding increased.
According to the Traffic Police report, during the pandemic, more officers were controlling on roads, which is why more drivers have been detected breaking the maximum speed limits.
This year, from January to November, there have been 4,016 drivers fined for speeding. This represents a 34% increase in fines related to last year.
Another possible cause of this increase in reckless driving are the emptier streets which is a temptation for drivers who like the speed, the police said.
"Unfortunately, some people think that roads are racetracks and like speeding driving," Alberto Barquero-Espinoza, deputy director of the Traffic Police said. "It is clear that the covid-19 pandemic has not inhibited the social meetings and when drinking alcohol is involved, there is a tendency to abuse of speed.”
The fine for speeding is about $537 in addition to the 6 point penalty on the driver's license.
As of January 1, 2021, there will be a 0.31% increase in fines for breaking traffic laws, according to the Ministry of Transportation.
That increase was approved by the Superior Council, the entity that collects the fines, based on the Consumer Price Index.
Drivers are warned that beginning next month, fines for drunk driving, speeding, using the opposite lane on a bridge, among others that are classified as an "A-Level" offense, will apply a fine of approximately $545. In addition to the fine, the driver will receive a 6 point penalty on their driver's license record.
The fines classified as "B-Level" - such as taking children under five years old in a motorcycle, or carrying children without safety devices in the vehicle - a fine of approximately $370 will be given.
In the case of the lowest fines, classified as "C-Level" - including driving with an expired license, not carrying a car fire extinguisher, among others, the fine will be of $40.
According to the ministry, the money generated with the payment of the fines is used to cover the Traffic Police expenses, to cover road safety campaign expenses, maintain road traffic signs, aid the Red Cross, among others.
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