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Published Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Traffic fines will increase in January
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
As of January 1, 2021, there will be a 0.31% increase in fines for breaking traffic laws, the Ministry of Transportation said on Tuesday.
According to the ministry, the increase was approved by the Superior Council, based on the Consumer Price Index.
The Council is the entity that collects the fines.
Drivers are warned that from next month, fines for drunk driving, speeding, using the opposite lane on a bridge, among others that are classified as " A-Level", will apply a fine of approximately $545. In addition to the fine, the driver will receive a 6 point penalty on his driver's license record.
With respect to violations 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, etc. - the fine will be $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.
For example, according to statistics provided by the ministry, from January to October, approximately 16,092 drivers were fined for wrongful parking.
Many drivers were parked in illegal zones, taking advantage of the fact that there are fewer vehicles on the streets due to the ban-on-driving rule imposed by the government to try to contain the spread of covid-19 in the country.
Among the main places where traffic officers find badly parked cars are blocking a home or building garages, on a sidewalk, near a hydrant, blocking ramps for people with disabilities, blocking street corners, on bicycle lanes, parking in yellow stripe zones or even on a pedestrian crossing.
The fine for unlawful parking is approximately $90.
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What is the most expensive traffic fine in your country? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com
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