Published on Tuesday, January 6, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) has reinstated license plate-based driving restrictions in San José City following the end of the year-end holiday season.

The restrictions had been temporarily suspended from Dec. 22, 2025, through Jan. 2, 2026, when most public institutions and many private companies closed, leading to significantly lighter traffic in the capital.

 

As of Monday, Traffic Police once again began limiting vehicle access to "Circunvalación" Route 39, the ring road that encircles San José. Entry is restricted based on the last digit of a vehicle’s license plate.

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.

Drivers who violate the regulation may face an E-level fine of about $53, officials noted.

In a related topic, 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.

Recently, traffic officials also issued warnings to drivers traveling to the country’s beaches, urging them to comply with the law and avoid common violations. These include driving or parking vehicles on the sand and the irresponsible use of personal watercraft, commonly known as jet skis.

As of November 2025, 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.

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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