Costa Rican authorities arrested more than 1,370 drivers for drunk driving from January through September after breathalyzer tests showed alcohol levels above the legal threshold for a Level-A offense, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT).

Traffic police conducted nearly 13,000 breathalyzer tests nationwide during the first nine months of the year. The tests led to the arrests of drivers whose blood alcohol concentration exceeded 0.75 grams, an offense classified as Level-A under Costa Rican law.

The penalties are severe. Each offender faces a fine of about $800, receives six penalty points on their driver's license and has their vehicle impounded at the time of arrest.

Under current regulations, accumulating six penalty points automatically results in a driver's license suspension. To regain their driving privileges, offenders must complete a mandatory driver's education course and pass a license renewal exam with a score of at least 70 out of 100.

Authorities also fined more than 210 drivers whose blood alcohol levels measured between 0.20 and 0.75 grams. Although these drivers were not arrested, they received the same $800 fine and six penalty points.

More than 260 drivers tested positive for minimal levels of alcohol but were not penalized.


Police also reported about 55 cases in which drivers refused to take a breathalyzer test. Those drivers were taken to a police station for mandatory testing.

More than 1,600 drivers were arrested for drunk driving in 2025, officers said.

In related developments, Costa Rica recorded more than 420 traffic-related deaths from January through August. Motorcyclists accounted for the largest share, representing 58% of all traffic deaths during the period.

  

In 2025, Costa Rica recorded more than 500 traffic-related deaths, a 13.3% increase compared with fatalities reported in 2024.

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

Authorities are urging the public to report suspected drunk drivers by calling 9-1-1.

MOPT is the government agency responsible for planning and managing Costa Rica's roads, airports and maritime ports, as well as overseeing public transportation regulations.

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