The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) announced a 0.22% reduction in traffic fines, effective this year.

The Superior Court Council approved the adjustment after applying the same percentage decrease recorded in the Consumer Price Index, officials said.

Under the updated schedule, drivers cited for A-level infractions will face fines of $725, or about ₡362,800 colones. These violations include drunk driving, excessive speeding and driving in the opposing lane, among others. A-level offenses also carry a six-point penalty on a driver’s license.

A six-point penalty results in an automatic license revocation. To regain driving privileges, motorists must retake the driving exam and score at least 70 out of 100.

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B-level offenses will result in fines of approximately $490, or ₡245,000 colones. These violations include transporting children younger than 5 on a motorcycle or carrying minors without proper safety equipment. Drivers cited for B-level infractions receive a four-point penalty on their licenses.

C-level infractions, such as driving on sidewalks, using a mobile phone while driving or holding pets on a driver’s lap, carry fines of $245, or about ₡122,500 colones.

D-level offenses, including driving or parking on beaches or in restricted areas, are punishable by fines of $121, or roughly ₡60,600 colones.

The lowest penalties apply to E-level violations, such as driving with an expired license or failing to carry a fire extinguisher. These offenses carry fines of $53, or about ₡26,000 colones.

Authorities said revenue collected from traffic fines is used to fund Traffic Police operations, road safety campaigns and programs run by the Red Cross, among other expenses.

In related topics, officials announced that the traffic contraflow system on Route 27 will operate every Sunday in January to ease congestion during the school vacation period.

Traffic fatalities remain a major concern nationwide. Nearly 500 people have died on Costa Rican roads so far this year, according to officials, with motorcyclists accounting for 52% of the deaths.

Costa Rica recorded more than 500 traffic-related deaths in 2024.

Authorities are urging the public to help improve road safety by reporting dangerous driving to the 9-1-1 emergency hotline.

The MOPT is responsible for overseeing Costa Rica’s road, port and airport infrastructure, as well as national public transportation policy.

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