The Traffic Police have resumed in-person services following the holiday season, the Road Safety Council (Cosevi) announced.

Cosevi offices were closed from Dec. 23, 2024, to Jan. 3, 2025, when most government institutions and many private businesses observed extended holiday breaks to comply with labor laws and support employees.

Vehicle owners can now file claims in person at any Traffic Police office regarding licenses, plates, or fines.

Claims can also be submitted via email at  recepcion-impugnaciones@csv.go.cr  No digital signature is required to submit a complaint, according to Cosevi.

Drivers can also recover vehicles impounded, plates seized, or licenses that expired during the holidays.

When a vehicle is impounded, Traffic Law requires the owner to pay the fine for the infraction, as well as additional fees for towing and storage.

The towing fee depends on the distance from where the vehicle was confiscated to the police station. The cost is approximately $15 for the first three miles, with an additional $8 charged for each extra mile.

 

Storage fees are $10 per day while the vehicle remains in custody at Cosevi facilities.

Fines remain valid for seven years. Owners must settle all fines, towing charges, storage fees, and other outstanding penalties before reclaiming their vehicle.

To retrieve a vehicle or plates, drivers must schedule an appointment through the Cosevi website.

Traffic police reinstated driving restrictions on Monday based on license plate numbers in San José City, following a temporary suspension during the end-of-year holidays.

Fines for traffic violations were reduced this year after the Court Superior Council approved adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index.

In 2023, more than 500 people died in traffic accidents.

The Road Safety Council (Cosevi) operates under the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) and is responsible for enforcing traffic laws.