Published on Thursday, July 3, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The vehicle restriction policy in San José capital city, will be temporarily suspended from Monday, July 7, through Friday, July 18, 2025, coinciding with the country’s mid-year school vacation, announced the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT).

During these two weeks, all vehicles, regardless of license plate number, will be allowed to circulate freely throughout the city on weekdays.

The temporary suspension follows the government’s decision to grant paid vacation to most public-sector employees in non-essential services, including public schools, high schools and universities. Authorities expect traffic levels to decrease as public institutions and many private companies enter the break period.

Under standard conditions, San José enforces weekday vehicle restrictions on Route 39, the "Circunvalación", which loops around the capital.

The ban typically applies from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is based on the last digit of a vehicle’s license plate.

• Mondays: Vehicles with plates ending in 1 or 2.
• Tuesdays: Plates ending in 3 or 4.
• Wednesdays: Plates ending in 5 or 6.
• Thursdays: Plates ending in 7 or 8.
• Fridays: Plates ending in 9 or 0.

On Saturdays and Sundays, there are no driving restrictions, and all vehicles are permitted to travel within the city.

The regular driving restriction is scheduled to resume on Monday, July 21, 2025.

Despite the temporary lift, officials warn that police will maintain a strong presence across the city. Motorists are urged to drive responsibly, obey all traffic laws, and report reckless driving by dialing 9-1-1, the national emergency number.

As of May, Costa Rica has recorded over 250 traffic-related deaths, according to data released by the MOPT.

In total, Costa Rica recorded over 500 traffic-related deaths in 2024, with motorcyclists representing 53% of all victims.

The MOPT continues to lead efforts to enforce traffic laws and promote road safety nationwide.

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