By the
A.M. Costa Rica staff
According to Traffic Law #9078, in force
since October 2012, the fine for damaging a
fixed object as a house, building, or any
public infraestructure is ¢22,859.95 colones
(about $39).
According to the traffic police report,
during the first three months this year, two
drivers were fined for causing property
damage after striking fixed objects with
their vehicles. Last year, 5 cases of car
collisions with properties were registered.
The fine for damaging private property also
applies in the event of collisions of cars
striking public infrastructure, such as
power lines, bridges, and dividing road
rails, among others.
"Some people have the wrong idea of what an
accident is," said German Marín Sandí,
director of the Traffic Police. "When a
driver hits a fixed object and there is
damage to the property it is sanctioned in
the Traffic Law".
In these cases, those affected have the
right to claim damages caused to their
property, caused by the person driving the
vehicle, through a complaint at the Public
Ministry.
According to the traffic police, drivers
must know that the law has fines for the
irresponsible behavior of drivers. In 2018,
27 drivers were fined for honking their horn
to put pressure on the driver ahead, 79
drivers fined for slowing down to see an
accident, and another 79 drivers were fined
for holding a car with ropes or chains.
The Road Safety Council confirmed the
increase in fines for traffic violations and
crimes against the traffic laws.
The system of fines includes speeding,
reckless driving, illegal parking, driving
under the influence of drugs or alcohol and
failing to abide by license plate
restrictions.
The institution reports that the actions of
drivers who endanger the lives of others in
their disregard of traffic laws will receive
the highest fines. For example, the new fine
for speeding is ¢318,950 colones ( about
$533).
The lower fines are related to common faults
such as illegal parking. In that case, the
fine is ¢53,339 colones (about $90).
Carlos Rivas, legal director of the Road
Safety Council, said the fines applied since
December 2018.
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