Costa Rica Speed Limit 2026: 50 km/h Towns, 100 Motorway

Costa Rica’s speed limits are 50 km/h in dense urban areas, 60 km/h on rural roads and 100 km/h on motorways, with a 25 km/h zone around schools and hospitals — and that school zone is where visitors get caught. Fines double at each band: CRC 53,000 (about EUR 95) up to 10 km/h over, CRC 106,000 (about EUR 190) for 11-20, and CRC 212,000 plus licence suspension beyond that, against a 0.05% alcohol limit.

Your case: A fortnight of 50 km/h towns and 100 km/h autopista burns more fuel than the map suggests — price your own itinerary, at the pump price you see on arrival, with the road trip cost calculator.

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💡 Try it yourself: World Speed Limit Map — Costa Rica’s limits by road type, next to 194 other countries, free.

Emergency Numbers in Costa Rica

General Emergency: 911 | Police: 911

Save these numbers before you start driving. In Costa Rica, emergency calls are free from any phone.

Speed Limits in Costa Rica

The default speed limits for passenger cars in Costa Rica are 50 km/h in high-density urban areas, 60 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on motorways. Article 98 of the Traffic Law (Ley 9078, published in La Gaceta in October 2012) sets the 50 km/h urban default and a 25 km/h limit around schools, health centres and mass events; any other limit is whatever the transport authority posts.

Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 40 km/h urban, 50 km/h rural, and 80 km/h on motorways.

For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: Honduras (90 km/h).

Important: Posted signs always override default limits. Watch for temporary restrictions in construction zones, near schools, and in residential areas.

Speeding Fines and Penalties

Speeding fines in Costa Rica escalate based on how far you exceed the limit. Exceeding by up to 10 km/h: CRC 53,000 (approx. EUR 95). Exceeding by 11-20 km/h: CRC 106,000 (approx. EUR 190). Over 20 km/h: CRC 212,000 (approx. EUR 380) + licence suspension or more.

Other common fines:

• Mobile phone use while driving: CRC 53,000 (approx. EUR 95)
• Running a red light: CRC 106,000 (approx. EUR 190)
• Seatbelt violation: CRC 53,000 (approx. EUR 95)

Traffic Rules and Regulations

Drive on the right side of the road. Overtake on the left. At roundabouts, enter counter-clockwise and yield to traffic already circulating.

Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children must use appropriate restraint systems based on their age and height.

Using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal. The fine is CRC 53,000 (approx. EUR 95). Use hands-free devices only.

Use headlights in poor visibility, tunnels, and at night. Some areas require headlights at all times.

At unmarked intersections, traffic from the right generally has priority unless signs indicate otherwise.

Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits

The legal blood alcohol limit in Costa Rica is 0.05% BAC. This is stricter than Guatemala (0.08% BAC). Exceeding this limit results in fines, licence suspension, and possible criminal charges. For novice drivers and professional drivers, stricter limits may apply.

The safest approach is to not drink at all if you will be driving. Alcohol affects reaction time and judgement regardless of the legal limit.

Tyre Requirements and Regulations

Due to Costa Rica’s tropical climate, winter tyres are not required. Standard tyres suitable for wet and dry conditions are appropriate year-round.

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.

Studded tyres: restricted.

For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Costa Rica guide.

Mandatory Vehicle Equipment

Vehicles in Costa Rica must carry the following:

Required:

• Warning triangle
• Reflective vest (high-visibility)

Recommended:

• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher

Keep all equipment accessible — not buried under luggage. Police may check during routine stops.

Driving License Requirements

Licence rules for visitors: Foreign licence valid for the length of stay on the entry stamp, up to 180 days; carry the original passport. Always carry your original driving licence; photocopies are not accepted. Your foreign licence is valid for up to 3 months.

The minimum driving age is 18 years.

Foreign licence valid for 90 days for tourists. No IDP needed.

Parking and Fuel

Parking rules vary by city. Look for designated parking areas and always check signs for time limits and payment requirements.

We do not hold a verified, dated fuel price for Costa Rica, so check a local price app or the board at the station before you budget.

Most fuel stations accept major credit and debit cards. In rural areas, keep your tank above half — stations may be far apart.

Seasonal Driving Conditions

Costa Rica has a tropical climate. The main driving hazard is heavy rainfall — roads can flood quickly and visibility drops sharply during downpours. Reduce speed in rain and avoid crossing flooded sections. Road surfaces may deteriorate during the wet season.

Practical Driving Tips for Costa Rica

• Download offline maps of Costa Rica before your trip — mobile signal can be unreliable on rural roads.
• Take a break every 2 hours on long drives. Fatigue is a leading cause of road accidents.
• Use our interactive tools on this page — compare rules with your home country and calculate potential fines before you set off.