Costa Rica has temporarily suspended weekday driving restrictions in the capital during the country's mid-year school vacation, the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) announced.

This year's school break for approximately 1 million students attending public schools runs from Monday, July 6, through Friday, July 17.

The annual vacation is traditionally one of the country's busiest times for domestic travel, as many Costa Rican families take advantage of the break to visit beaches, mountains, and other rural destinations. July is considered one of the peak months for domestic tourism.

Transportation officials said the temporary suspension reflects lower traffic volumes in San José during the school break, helping ease congestion throughout the capital.

The weekday driving restrictions are scheduled to resume Monday, July 20, along Route 39, commonly known as Circunvalación, which circles the capital.

Under the program, vehicle circulation is restricted from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. based on the last digit of a vehicle's license plate:

• Monday: Plates ending in 1 or 2.

• Tuesday: Plates ending in 3 or 4.

• Wednesday: Plates ending in 5 or 6.

• Thursday: Plates ending in 7 or 8.

• Friday: Plates ending in 9 or 0.

There are no driving restrictions on Saturdays or Sundays.

Drivers who violate the restriction face a fine of approximately $60.

Authorities urged motorists to obey traffic laws and report dangerous driving to the 911 emergency hotline.

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

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