Costa Rican authorities arrested more than 1,600 drivers for drunk driving in 2025, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT).

From January through December, traffic police administered more than 13,000 breathalyzer tests nationwide. Those tests led to 1,643 arrests of drivers whose blood alcohol concentration exceeded 0.75 grams, qualifying as a Level-A offense under Costa Rican law.

Penalties for the violation are strict. Each offender faces a fine of about $730, receives six penalty points on their driver’s license and has their vehicle impounded at the time of arrest.

Under current regulations, accumulating six points results in an automatic suspension of the license. To regain driving privileges, offenders must complete a mandatory driver's education course and pass a renewal exam with a minimum score of 70% out of 100.

In similar topics, authorities announced that traffic fines will be reduced by 0.22% this year. The adjustment reflects the same percentage decrease recorded in the Consumer Price Index.

Last week, the Traffic Police resumed in-person services at their offices nationwide following the year-end holiday break.