Costa Rican traffic authorities are warning drivers heading to the country’s beaches during the holiday season to follow the law or face fines, particularly from late December 2025 through early January 2026.

The holiday period runs from Christmas Eve on Dec. 24, 2025, through New Year’s Day on Jan. 1, 2026. During that span, most government offices and many private businesses close or operate on reduced schedules, as required by law, giving employees time off as travel to coastal areas increases.

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) said the most common violations at beaches include driving or parking vehicles on the sand and the irresponsible use of personal watercraft, commonly known as jet skis.

Under Costa Rican traffic law, vehicles of any kind, including cars, SUVs, motorcycles, quad bikes and trucks, are prohibited from entering beach areas. They face fines of about $125.

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Exceptions apply only to vehicles with special authorization from the Traffic Police, such as those used for launching boats, delivering fishing supplies or responding to emergencies.

Improper use of jet skis carries the same $125 fine. Regulations prohibit operating personal watercraft within 50 meters of swimmers and within 30 meters of vessels, boats or inflatable recreational equipment, such as water sleds.

Additional rules require operators to wear life jackets, set a minimum operator age of 16 and limit engine capacity to no more than 400 cubic centimeters.

Authorities urged drivers and watercraft operators to act responsibly and asked the public to report reckless behavior by calling 9-1-1.

Police are currently carrying out the nationwide “Safe Holidays Police Operation,” which increases patrols and surveillance during the Christmas and New Year season.

At the same time, the Red Cross has launched its annual “Safe Holidays Surveillance” campaign to respond to emergencies linked to the seasonal surge in tourism.

Early this month, officials confirmed there are no vehicle circulation restrictions in San José in recognition of the holidays.

Recent police data shows more than 1,400 drivers have been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence as of November.

Authorities also reported an increase in traffic-related deaths nationwide, with more than 490 fatalities as of November.

Costa Rica recorded more than 500 traffic-related deaths in 2024, with motorcyclists again representing 53% of the victims.

MOPT is the government agency responsible for overseeing Costa Rica’s roads, ports, airports, and public transportation systems.

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