The Traffic Police declared that there will be no restrictions on vehicle plate numbers in San José City on Friday.

The driving perk is only available because of the 202nd Costa Rica Independence Day celebration on September 15.

Costa Rica Independence Day has been celebrated every Sept. 15, since 1821 when the Act of Independence of the Central American territories was proclaimed in Guatemala City. From that day, Costa Rica was no longer under the Spanish government and formed part of the Federation of Central American States.

When practically all employees of public institutions and commercial firms observed the day, the rule was suspended. As a result, the no-driving rule does not apply in the zone within the capital city known as the Circunvalación Route or Route 39, which encompasses all of the streets that surround the capital city.

Drivers with any license plate number are free to move about the city, according to the Ministry of Public Transports.

However, during the Independence Day Parades, traffic officials will briefly close several roads near the central parks of practically every community in the country to protect schoolchildren and people on the route.

In the country's capital under President Rodrigo Chaves' official act, the road entry to the National Park in downtown San José will be restricted beginning early Friday.

Furthermore, access to Second Avenue and Paseo Colón in San José will be restricted during the day due to student parades.

Authorities warn drivers to check with their local municipality for locations where entry may be restricted due to Friday's Independence Day parades.

Police are warning travelers to respect the rules as they’ll be out in full force.  

According to Traffic Police, over 300 people died in traffic accidents as of August. Of these, 169 were motorcyclists, accounting for 51% of all fatalities.

Last year closed with more than 480 deaths in traffic accidents. Police statistics show 215 more deaths were registered compared to the 365 fatalities in 2021, which is an increase of 59%.

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