Published on Tuesday, December 16, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rica will temporarily suspend its weekday vehicle restriction in San José during the year-end holiday break, the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) announced.

From Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, through Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, all vehicles will be allowed to circulate freely in the capital on weekdays, regardless of license plate number.

Officials said the suspension reflects reduced traffic levels during the holidays, when most public institutions and many private companies close, easing congestion in the city.

 

Under normal conditions, San José enforces weekday driving restrictions along Route 39, known as Circunvalación, which encircles the capital.

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

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

There are no driving restrictions on Saturdays and Sundays.

The regular restriction is scheduled to resume Monday, Jan. 5, 2025.

Despite the temporary lift, police said enforcement efforts will intensify during the holiday season. Authorities have launched the nationwide “Safe Holidays Police Operation” to increase surveillance during Christmas and New Year celebrations.

As of November, Costa Rica had recorded more than 490 traffic-related deaths, according to MOPT data.

In total, the country reported more than 500 traffic fatalities in 2024, with motorcyclists accounting for 53% of all deaths.

In related developments, authorities recently reduced retail prices for several fuels, including diesel and liquefied petroleum gas.

About 1.9 million vehicle owners in Costa Rica must also pay the annual marchamo vehicle tax before Jan. 1, 2026, to avoid fines.

Officials urged drivers to follow traffic laws and report dangerous driving to the 9-1-1 emergency hotline.

MOPT is responsible for enforcing traffic laws and promoting road safety nationwide.

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