Ley de Transito por Vias Publicas Terrestres y Seguridad Vial - common fines

The Ley de Transito por Vias Publicas Terrestres y Seguridad Vial (Ley N.º 9078, which replaced the old Ley 7331) regulates the driving of vehicles in Costa Rica. Fines are classified into categories based on the severity of the offense.

Fine categories (amounts adjusted for 2026 according to the IPC, slightly lower than 2025):

• Category A (the most serious): the highest amount is around ₡362,839. It includes behaviors such as overtaking in curves, invading the opposite lane with a continuous barrier line, making a U‑turn or left turn in prohibited zones, or driving with certain blood alcohol levels. These infractions also reduce 6 points from the license.
• Category B: includes, for example, transporting children without the proper safety device, or minors under 5 years old on a motorcycle.
• Category C: includes driving with a cell phone without a hands‑free device, or not wearing a seat belt.
• Category D: includes not having the vehicle's technical inspection up to date (see vehicle registration and technical inspection record), or parking improperly.
• Category E (the lowest value): around ₡26,005. It includes things such as honking to pressure the driver ahead, or reducing speed to observe an accident.

Speeding and points: the most serious infractions (driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding over 120 km/h, invading a continuous lane, or refusing an alcohol test) generate 4 points on the license when the speedometer reads more than 40 km/h over the limit.

Early payment discount: in categories B, C, D, and E, you can get an additional 15% discount if you pay the fine within 10 business days following the issuance of the ticket.

Note: the exact amounts of fines are periodically adjusted according to the IPC (Consumer Price Index) through circulars from the Poder Judicial — confirm the current amount at the time of payment, as it may have changed since the date of verification of this record.