Over 8,000 drivers fined for expired licenses

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

According to the Traffic Police, during the period between January and July, approximately 8,688 drivers were fined about $40 for driving with an expired license.

According to the police report, within that group of drivers were also cases of students with a 'three-month-only' permit were expired as well.

In the case of expired licenses, drivers have the option to renew their license three months before it expires.

Concerning foreign drivers, the police registered 401 people who were also fined for driving with foreign licenses but with more than three months living in the country.  The fine, in those cases, is about $95.

According to the traffic law, drivers licenses from other countries are legal in the country for three months. That means all foreign drivers must leave the country every three months, to confirm his right to drive with an international license.

As A.M. Costa Rica reported in January, now foreigners can confirm their driver's license faster.

In January, the Ministry of Transport reported that 10,278 driver's licenses were validated in 2018 by foreigners living in the country for a minimum of three months.

According to the ministry, a prior appointment to make this process is not necessary. The validation can be requested at any of the 13 ministry offices in the country.

The service is offered only on Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The person interested must present all the requirements and the approved driver license can be obtained immediately.

2018 ministry statistics show that users visit the main office located in La Uruca. But other offices are also providing the service, as in Heredia, Alajuela, Liberia, San Carlos, Puntarenas and Cartago.

According to the ministry report, many people from outside of San José still come to the headquarters to validate their foreign license.

The ministry is requesting people who need this service and who live outside of San Jose to manage this procedure at the ministry office closest to their residence to avoid unnecessary travel to the capital.

The validation of a foreign license allows driving in Costa Rica.

The original driver license presented must be valid and in good condition.

The applicant must present a basic medical test and a document showing a legal stay in Costa Rica, which can be a residency card, refugee card, or work permit.

The last requirement is to pay for the service ¢5,000 colones or about $8.80

More information in Spanish can be found at the Ministry site here.*



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Have you tried to renew the driver's license three months prior to the expiration date? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com

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