Published on Monday, April 6, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Authorities in San José and across the country resumed in-person Traffic Police services Monday, the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) announced.

All Traffic Police offices had been closed last week in observance of Holy Week.

As of Monday, drivers who need to file claims or handle matters related to driver’s licenses, license plates or traffic fines must schedule an appointment through the Consejo de Seguridad Vial (COSEVI ) website.

 

Under Costa Rican traffic law, vehicle owners whose cars have been seized must pay the original fine along with two additional charges: a towing fee and a daily custody fee.

The towing cost varies depending on the distance between the location of the seizure and the police impound lot.

The base towing fee is approximately $15 for the first three miles, with an additional $8 charged for each extra mile. The custody fee is $10 per day for each day the vehicle remains stored at a COSEVI impound facility.

Traffic fines remain valid for seven years. As a result, owners of impounded vehicles must pay all outstanding fines, towing charges, custody fees and any other unexpired penalties to recover their vehicles or license plates.

Authorities also said weekday vehicle restrictions in San José resumed Monday following the Holy Week break.

In related developments, traffic fines were reduced by 0.22% this year, matching the same percentage decrease recorded in the Consumer Price Index.

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

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What have you heard about expats facing issues when trying to retrieve an impounded vehicle in Costa Rica? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com