Discovering Costa Rica

Driving Rules and Regulations

There are generally no problems with driving a car in Costa Rica, but there are things you should know in order to do so safely. If you are visiting Costa Rica, you may drive with the driver’s license issued by your home country, as long as your visa has not expired (visas are usually given for 30 to 90 days depending on your nationality). It might take some time to adjust to driving in Costa Rica. Often there are no street lights outside of the city and in rural areas, no numbering systems, and, with the exception of a portion of San José, the streets do not run perpendicular to one another. It is best to learn your way by landmarks. Also note that traffic lanes often end – even on high speed highways – with less than 100 meters’ notice. Although bridges in Costa Rica are generally safe, bridges in rural areas can be very narrow and might not have guardrails. Be careful, do not drive fast, and do not be overly confident or aggressive. If you do decide to drive in Costa Rica, take it easy until you know your way around. Helpful Hint: Pay attention to hazards while driving; there are often large potholes that can cause severe damage to your car, and sewer covers are occasionally missing. Vehicle Restrictions In July 2008, restrictions were put on cargo vehicles entering and circulating within the “Circunvalacion” (loop) of San José. Soon afterward the restrictions were expanded to include all vehicles, and organized by the last digit of the license plate. It was originally a 24-hour restriction that was soon adjusted to the hours between 6 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., and from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Although restrictions for other parts of Costa Rica are being pushed by some, currently the only restriction is for San José. Following is a map and details for the restriction for San José. Posted on the freeways just outside the restricted zone are roadway signs with a map of the zone, and a list of which license plates are restricted on which days. Private, non-commercial vehicles are banned from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. according to their plate numbers:

+ 1 and 2: Monday + 3 and 4: Tuesday + 5 and 6: Wednesday + 7 and 8: Thursday + 9 and 0: Friday

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Discovering Costa Rica