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  Drivers caught disregarding the ban-on-driving rule must pay a fine of approximately $180. - Ministry of Security photo -  |
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Published
Monday, June 28, 2021
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff The driving restrictions implemented since 2020 expand into this week, according to the National Emergency Commission. As of Sunday, there are 69,155 active covid-19 infected people in the country. Of the total 361,005 cases detected since last year, there were 4,602 deaths listed as covid-19 related, approximately 1.3% death rate in Costa Rica, according to the Ministry of Health. Beginning today Monday, June 28 to Sunday, July 4, the ban-on-driving rule continues being based on the last number of the vehicle plate. Eligible vehicles can be on the roads from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. as long as their plate number isn’t banned for the day. After 9 p.m. there should be no vehicle on the streets, except those traveling to authorized places such as the airport, a clinic, work or a hotel, among others. The list of exceptions that allow any vehicle to drive at night is on the government website under Covid Vehicle Exceptions. Tourists planning on traveling to Costa Rica during this week should acquire the list of restrictions and schedules of tourist centers, restaurants, hotels, and the ban-on-driving schedule. It is recommended to check in with the corresponding embassy based in Costa Rica, as part of their research before traveling to the country. The ban-on-driving- rule for this week applies as follows: » On Monday, June 28, plates ending in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7 and 9) are banned. » On Tuesday, June 29, plates ending in even numbers (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8) are banned. » On Wednesday, June 30, plates ending in an odd number are banned. » On Thursday, July 1, plates ending in even numbers are banned. » On Friday, July 2, plates ending in an odd number are banned. » On Saturday, July 3, plates ending in even numbers are banned. » On Sunday, July 4, plates ending in an odd number are banned. Drivers caught disregarding the ban-on-driving rule must pay a fine of approximately $180. Traffic officers cannot seize the vehicle or its plates. They also cannot reduce driver's license points for breaking the rule. A practical solution to avoid driving is to request a ride-hailing service. In the case of people who cannot use ride-hailing services, they should print and keep the ban-on-driving weekly schedule on them at all times.  Readers can verify the car plate number restrictions by visiting the government website, Covid-19 Vehicle Alert. -------------------------- What have you heard about expats having a challenging time with the ban-on-driving rules? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com            
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