Driving in Costa Rica

See also renting in Costa Rica

Only about 14% of Costa Rican roads are paved. Roads are slowly being improved. Outside San Jose, roads are mainly 2-lane, often with potholes, and for some popular destinations such as Monteverde unpaved for considerable distances. To a patchy road network add a chronic shortage of signs, a rainy season to test everything, and an abysmal driving culture: welcome to driving in Costa Rica!

Costa Rica has a high accident rate. To quote the Costa Rica Handbook: "(many) Costa Ricans are appalling drivers capable of truly unbelievable recklessness. They drive at warp speed, flaunt traffic laws, hold traffic lights in total disdain, and love to crawl up your tailpipe at 100 kph.... (and) overtake at the slightest chance.."

Despite all this, almost half of Costa Rica`s visitors rent a car! Why? Simply because the advantages easily outweigh the disadvantages. The country is small, a rental car brings so much flexibility compared with buses or fixed transfers, and with due care the negatives can be addressed. The one exception is San José, where heavy traffic, and a network of narrow one-way streets make driving a rental car something to be avoided unless you are transiting.

Traffic Regulations
You must be at least 21 years old and hold a driving license. Foreign licenses are valid for three months after arrival. Seat belt use is mandatory. It is illegal to 1) enter an intersection unless you can exit; 2) make a right turn on a red light unless indicated by a white arrow; and 3) overtake on the right (although this rule is regularly flouted). Cars coming uphill have the right of way. If you see a speed sign ahead, slow down immediately.

Driving tips
         » Ask directions frequently if in doubt (pointing & English do work)
         » Use your horn regularly to warn (everybody does, and it is important)
         » Keep your speed down (especially on rural roads) 
         » Park your car where it will be watched (pay 100 colones if necessary)
         » Never leave anything of value in your car
         » Gas stations are not always round the bend - keep your tank topped up
         » Be particularly wary at night (for pedestrians and livestock)
         » Treat mountain roads with extra caution (fog, floods, and landslides)
         » Watch out for branches or boulders at the roadside - a broken-down car is ahead
         » Slow down when you see signs for speed bumps
         » Anticipate bad driving by others, give everyone else on the road plenty of room

 Accidents and Breakdowns
You must carry fluorescent triangles in case of breakdown, and these are supplied by all rental agencies. Locals, however, will probably put small branches at the roadside to warn approaching drivers of a car in trouble. If you breakdown, call the rental agency to arrange a tow unless the repair is simple.

After an accident, never move the vehicles until the police and an inspector of INS, the state insurance company, arrive. Get the names, license plate numbers, and cedulas (legal identification numbers) of any witnesses. Make a sketch of the accident.

Call the following:-
a) your rental car agency
b) traffic police, tel 2222-9330
c) INS at tel 800-800-8000

Do not offer statements to anyone other than the police. In case of injury, call the Red Cross ambulance, tel 128 or 911 for emergency rescue. Try not to leave the accident scene, or at least keep an eye on your car: the other party may tamper with the evidence.

The traffic police will want to see your license and vehicle registration. Note that they are not allowed to keep any documents unless you've been drinking (if you suspect the other driver has been drinking, ask the traffic police to make a test). Nor can the traffic police charge you a fine on the spot. They will issue you a green ticket or 'summons." You must present this to the nearest municipal office (alcaldia) or traffic court within eight days to make your declaration about the accident. Wait a few days so that the police report is on record. Don't skip this! The driver who doesn't show is often found at blame by default, and you may even have difficulties leaving the airport. Car rental companies will take then care of the subsequent process.

Gasoline
Rental cars usually use regular gasoline although some may use super. Both are widely available around the country. Service stations (bombas or gasolineras) are far apart in country areas. Many are open 24 hours; away from towns and national highways they're usually open dawn to dusk only. When you are in an isolated area, there's usually someone nearby selling by the jerry-can, and you will pay a premium price.

Maps and directions 
In the past few years more signposts have been erected in major cities and along major highways, but don't expect a sign when you need it. Many signs are located where you'd never think of looking, or are otherwise obscured. If in doubt, stop and ask frequently: even if you don`t speak Spanish, just mentioning your desired destination will elicit pointing which may be all you need. There are a number of good maps available, whether you buy before arrival, or at shops and larger gas stations in Costa Rica.  

Traffic police
Traffic police patrol the highways to control speeding drivers. They pull people over at random to cheek documentation. They are present on most national highways, less so on other roads. Often drivers coming towards you will flash their lights as a warning.

If you're stopped, the police will request to see your license, passport, and rental contract. Traffic police use radar guns and you do not receive special treatment as a tourist.  Speeding fines are paid at a bank; the ticket provides instructions. You probably cannot avoid paying a fine. Delinquent fines are reported to the immigration authorities and sometimes people have been refused exit from the country. Normally, though, you leave the country before the fines are due, in which case the car rental agency handles the tickets, although you remain responsible for paying the fine.

It's important you know you never need to pay a fine to police on the road. They cannot legally request payment on site. At any point you have the right to note the policeman's name and number from his MOPT badge (he is legally required to show his carnet upon request), and report any incident to the Asesoria Legal de Transito of MOPT in San Jose, Calle 2, Avenida 20, tel 2227-2188 or 2257-7798.