Reckless driving continues on an upswing in Costa Rica. As of September, about 204,000 drivers were fined for breaking the Traffic Law.

Of these, more than 4,700 drivers were fined $110 for not complying with the mandatory annual technical inspection of vehicles. This is one of the lowest fines classified as "D-Level."

Speeding is another issue for police. There have been over 3,000 drivers fined for driving over 80 miles per hour. This classed as an " A-Level" fine cost about $690 in addition to the 6-point penalty on the driver's license.  

When a driver is penalized with 6 points on their driving record, their driver's license is suspended. They are forced to retake the driving course and score a minimum of 70 points out of 100 to renew their driver’s licenses.

Also, over 2,800 drivers were fined for driving without having a driver's license, which is another " A-Level" fine.

The rest of the fines were for not wearing seat belts or not enforcing passengers to wear their seat belts, incorrect parking, carrying children without safety devices and driving on sidewalks among others.

This week, Congress pre-approved a new reform that modifies traffic legislation and raises penalties for drivers detained for street racing.

As of August, there were 334 deaths in traffic accidents, Traffic Police reported. Of the total deaths, 169 were motorcyclists, which is equivalent to 51% of fatalities.

Last year closed with more than 480 deaths in traffic accidents.

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