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 Drivers caught disregarding the driving restrictions must pay a fine of about $180. - Ministry of Security photo - |
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Published on
Monday, July 26, 2021
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff Driving restrictions will continue for this week, from Monday, July 26 to Sunday, Aug. 1. Implemented in 2020, these regulations continue to serve as a measure to try to decrease covid-19 infections, according to the National Emergency Commission. However, the virus continues to spread in Costa Rica. According to the Ministry of Health statistics, as of Friday, there are 71,244 active covid-19 infected people in the country. Of the total 398,608 cases detected since last year, there are 4,941 deaths listed as covid-19 related, approximately a 1.2% death rate in Costa Rica. Following the driving restrictions, some 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, school or a hotel, among others. The list of exceptions that allow any vehicle to drive at night is on the government website under Vehicle Exceptions. Driving restrictions apply as follows: · On Monday, July 26, plates ending in 1 or 2 are banned. · On Tuesday, July 27, plates ending in 3 or 4 are banned. · On Wednesday, July 28, plates ending in 5 and 6 are banned. · On Thursday, July 29, plates ending in 7 or 8 are banned. · On Friday, July 30, plates ending in 9 or 0 are banned. · On Saturday, July 31, plates ending in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6 or 8) are banned. · On Sunday, August 1, plates ending in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7 or 9) are banned. Drivers caught disregarding the driving restrictions must pay a fine of about $180. Traffic officers cannot seize the vehicle or its plates, nor can they reduce driver's license points for breaking the rules.  A practical solution to avoid driving is to request a ride-hailing service or use public transportation. Drivers should print and keep the ban-on-driving schedule displayed with them at all times. Readers can verify the car plate number restrictions by visiting the government website Vehicle Alert. Last week, the Ombudsman Office requested the Ministry of Health for a report on the technical studies that justify the decision to continue with the ban on driving rules. In Costa Rica, the ombudsman service has the role of handling citizens' complaints against government actions. Since the pandemic forced the country into strict lockdown and extreme safety measures, people have complained. At some point this week, health authorities are expected to provide information to justify the continuation of emergency restrictions. -------------------------- Should the authorities lift the driving restrictions? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com             
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