20 km/h Over the Limit Costs CRC 106,000 in Costa Rica 2026
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4 min readCosta Rica drives on the right side of the road. The minimum driving age is 18. The motorway speed limit is 100 km/h. The general emergency number is 911. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% BAC. Foreign drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their valid national licence.
Driving in Costa Rica means right-hand traffic with rules that differ from home. Mobile phone fines are strictly enforced, even at traffic lights. Full guide with penalty calculator below.
Using a mobile phone behind the wheel in Costa Rica costs EUR 95 — often more than a speeding fine. The rule covers handling the device even at traffic lights, which surprises many visitors.
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Speeding fines in Costa Rica double at each band: CRC 53,000 for a first step over the limit, CRC 106,000 once you are 20 km/h over, and CRC 212,000 with a possible licence suspension beyond that. Urban roads are capped at 40 km/h, rural roads at 60 km/h, and motorways at 100 km/h. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, and the car must carry a reflective vest and a warning triangle.
Speed limits are 40 km/h in urban areas, 60 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05% BAC. You must be at least 18 to drive.
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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 40 km/h in built-up areas, 60 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on motorways.
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
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for foreign drivers in Costa Rica. 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.
Current fuel prices in Costa Rica: petrol approximately $1.28/litre, diesel $1.05/litre (USD). Prices vary by region and station.
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.
Speed Limits in Costa Rica
| Road Type | Cars | Trucks (>3.5t) |
|---|---|---|
| Urban | 40 km/h | 40 km/h |
| Rural | 60 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Motorway | 100 km/h | 80 km/h |
Traffic Fines in Costa Rica
| Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Mobile phone use while driving | CRC 53,000 (approx. EUR 95) |
| No seatbelt | CRC 53,000 (approx. EUR 95) |
| Running a red light | CRC 106,000 (approx. EUR 190) |
| Speeding (1-10 km/h over) | CRC 53,000 (approx. EUR 95) |
| Speeding (11-20 km/h over) | CRC 106,000 (approx. EUR 190) |
| Speeding (21-30+ km/h over) | CRC 212,000 (approx. EUR 380) + licence suspension |
Penalties may vary by region and circumstances. Always check current local regulations.
Mandatory Equipment in Costa Rica
Licence Requirements for Foreign Drivers
Foreign licence valid for 90 days for tourists. No IDP needed.
Emergency Numbers in Costa Rica
These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, state your location and the nature of the emergency.
Tyre Laws in Costa Rica
Winter tyre requirements, tread depth rules, and studded tyre regulations.
View tyre regulationsAvoid a fine in Costa Rica
Who pays a driving fine abroad, the hire-car admin-fee trap, and how to appeal.
Read the fine guideDriving in Costa Rica on a foreign licence
Nationality-specific licence, IDP & rules — pick where your licence is from:
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Recent changes to this page
- Title and description tightened to the page's own data (title 50-60, description 140-155 characters).
- Title, description and introduction rewritten from this page's own data (no shared template wording).
- Replaced the speeding-fine calculator link: that tool covers 17 countries and Costa Rica is not one of them, so the link could not answer the question it promised. It now points to the speed-limit map, which does cover Costa Rica.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Costa Rica, the default speed limits for passenger vehicles are: urban areas 40 km/h (25 mph), rural roads 60 km/h (37 mph), and motorways 100 km/h (62 mph). Always follow posted signs as limits may differ on specific roads.
In Costa Rica, traffic drives on the right side of the road. Vehicles have the steering wheel on the left side. If you are visiting from a country that drives on the left, take extra care at intersections, roundabouts, and when overtaking.
Foreign visitors to Costa Rica should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their valid national driving license. An IDP translates your license into multiple languages and is recognized internationally. Check with the embassy of Costa Rica for the most current requirements.
Winter tyres in Costa Rica are: Not Required. Regardless of legal requirements, winter tyres or all-season tyres with the appropriate markings (M+S or 3PMSF) are strongly recommended when temperatures drop below 7°C for improved safety and grip.
The general emergency number in Costa Rica is 911. These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, be prepared to state your location and the nature of the emergency.
Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited in Costa Rica. Hands-free systems (Bluetooth, speakerphone, or mounted devices) are permitted. Penalties for mobile phone use while driving typically include fines. For safety, always use hands-free solutions or pull over to use your phone.
When driving in Costa Rica, you should always carry: your valid driving license (and IDP if applicable), vehicle registration document, valid insurance certificate (Green Card for European countries), and your passport or national ID. Rental car drivers should also carry the rental agreement. Police may request these documents during routine checks.
The minimum age to drive a car in Costa Rica is 18 years old. Some categories of vehicles (such as motorcycles or heavy vehicles) may have different age requirements. Novice drivers may face additional restrictions during their first years of driving.
Driving in Costa Rica is generally safe for tourists who are prepared. Road infrastructure follows North American standards. Before driving, familiarize yourself with local traffic rules, road signs, and driving customs. Consider downloading offline maps, carrying emergency supplies, and purchasing comprehensive insurance. Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas if possible.
Key fines in Costa Rica that catch tourists: mobile phone use while driving (CRC 53,000 (approx. EUR 95)), not wearing a seatbelt (CRC 53,000 (approx. EUR 95)). Police in some countries can demand immediate payment from foreign drivers. Always carry local currency or a credit card for potential fines.
For Costa Rica: EU/EEA driving licences are valid. Your licence is valid for up to 3 months. Always carry your original licence alongside the IDP.
Get Driving Law Updates
Speed limits, fines and tyre laws change frequently. Get monthly updates for the countries you drive in.
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