Weekday vehicle restrictions in San José City will be suspended on Friday, May 1, and Friday, May 8, the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) announced.

Both dates coincide with civic holidays: Labor Day on May 1 and the presidential inauguration of Laura Fernández on May 8.

In observance of Workers’ Day on May 1, most government offices and some embassies will be closed. The Ministry of Labor said the holiday grants most public employees a day off. In the private sector, time off is arranged by agreement with employers; employees who work that day are entitled to double pay.

On May 8, Fernández will be sworn in as Costa Rica’s 50th president. The national event was declared a holiday for government employees so that most Costa Ricans can attend inauguration-related activities. The holiday applies only to public-sector workers; private-sector employees are expected to follow regular schedules.

Because of the holidays, most public institutions,  including banks, ministries, institutes, schools, high schools, universities, academies, municipalities and public clinics, will be closed.


Officials said the temporary suspension reflects reduced traffic levels when public institutions and many private businesses shut down, easing congestion across the capital.


Regular restrictions are scheduled to resume Monday, May 4, along Route 39, known as Circunvalación, which encircles the capital.

• Mondays: 1 or 2.

• Tuesdays: 3 or 4.

• Wednesdays: 5 or 6.

• Thursdays: 7 or 8.

• Fridays: 9 or 0 (except May 8).

There are no driving restrictions on Saturdays or Sundays.

Authorities urged drivers to follow traffic laws and report dangerous driving to the 911 emergency hotline.

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

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