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Driving in Costa Rica

Driving in Costa Rica can be an adventure. Roads range from well-maintained highways to unpaved mountain tracks. Understanding local traffic laws, road conditions, and driving culture is essential for a safe experience. Costa Rica drives on the right side of the road.

Can I drive with my foreign license in Costa Rica?

Yes. Tourists can drive with a valid foreign license for up to 90 days. An International Driving Permit is recommended but not legally required.

Foreign Driver's License

Tourists can drive in Costa Rica using a valid foreign driver's license for up to 90 days, matching the standard tourist visa duration. Your license must be valid and current. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not legally required but can be helpful if your license is not in Spanish, especially during police stops or when renting a car.

  • Valid foreign license accepted for up to 90 days from entry date
  • License must be current and not expired
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended but not required
  • You must carry your passport (or a copy) and license at all times while driving
  • If you overstay your 90-day tourist visa, your foreign license is no longer valid for driving

Getting a Costa Rican License

Residents of Costa Rica must obtain a local driver's license. The process requires legal residency status (temporary or permanent). You will need to pass a medical exam, a written test, and a practical driving exam. The written test is available in Spanish.

  • Must have legal residency (cedula de residencia) to apply
  • Visit COSEVI (Consejo de Seguridad Vial) to begin the process
  • Medical exam required from an authorized physician
  • Written exam covers Costa Rican traffic laws (in Spanish)
  • Practical driving test required
  • License categories: A (motorcycles), B (light vehicles), C/D/E (heavier vehicles)
  • License renewal every 6 years for most categories
  • Cost is approximately 10,000-15,000 colones for the license itself, plus exam fees

Road Conditions

Road quality in Costa Rica varies dramatically. The major highways (Ruta 1, Ruta 2, Ruta 27, Ruta 32) are generally well-paved. Secondary and rural roads can be rough, unpaved, and may require a 4x4 vehicle, especially in the rainy season. Potholes are common even on paved roads.

  • Major highways (autopistas) are generally in good condition
  • Ruta 27 (San Jose to Pacific coast) is a modern toll highway
  • Ruta 32 (San Jose to Limon/Caribbean) has frequent landslide closures in rainy season
  • Rural and mountain roads are often unpaved (lastre/gravel)
  • River crossings without bridges exist in remote areas like the Osa Peninsula and Nicoya
  • Potholes (huecos) are common on all road types
  • Road signage can be minimal or missing outside major routes
  • GPS/Waze is strongly recommended as addresses are not standardized

Gas Stations

Gas stations (gasolineras or bombas) are found throughout Costa Rica, though they can be sparse in rural areas. Fuel prices are regulated by the government and are the same at all stations. Both regular (RON 91) and super (RON 95) gasoline are available, as well as diesel.

  • Fuel prices are government-regulated and uniform nationwide
  • Regular gasoline (regular) and premium (super) available
  • Diesel is widely available
  • Prices are per liter, typically 700-900 colones per liter (varies with global oil prices)
  • Attendants pump gas for you (full service is standard)
  • Tipping the attendant 200-500 colones is customary but not required
  • Most stations accept credit/debit cards, but carry cash for rural stations
  • Fill up before heading to remote areas (Osa Peninsula, Monteverde, etc.)
  • Some stations close at night in rural areas

Speed Limits

Speed limits in Costa Rica are posted in kilometers per hour (km/h). Limits vary by road type and are enforced by traffic police (Transito) and increasingly by speed cameras.

  • Urban areas: 40 km/h (about 25 mph)
  • Secondary roads: 60 km/h (about 37 mph)
  • Primary roads/highways: 80-100 km/h (about 50-62 mph)
  • School zones: 25 km/h when indicated
  • Speed cameras are increasingly common, especially on major highways
  • Fines for speeding start at approximately 56,000 colones and increase with severity
  • Fines can be linked to your rental car and charged to your credit card

Traffic Laws

Costa Rica enforces traffic laws that are broadly similar to North American and European standards, but with some important local rules. Penalties for violations can be significant, and the Transito police conduct regular checkpoints.

  • Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers
  • Children under 12 must ride in the back seat
  • Car seats required for children under 4 years old (or under 18 kg)
  • Motorcycle helmets are mandatory
  • Blood alcohol limit is 0.05% (lower than the US limit of 0.08%)
  • Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal unless hands-free
  • Right turn on red is NOT permitted unless specifically signed
  • Headlights must be on at all times on certain highways (posted)
  • You must carry a reflective triangle and fire extinguisher in the vehicle
  • Vehicle inspection (Riteve/RTV) required annually for registered vehicles
  • Driving restrictions in San Jose: vehicular restriction by license plate number during peak hours (6-7 AM and 5-6 PM weekdays)
  • If involved in an accident, do NOT move the vehicles until police (Transito) arrive

Toll Roads

Costa Rica has a limited number of toll roads (autopistas de peaje). The most notable is Ruta 27, connecting San Jose to the Central Pacific coast. Tolls are relatively inexpensive.

  • Ruta 27 (San Jose - Caldera/Orotina): most-used toll road, connects to Jaco and Pacific beaches
  • Ruta 1 (General Canas Highway): tolls on the section between San Jose and the airport area
  • Ruta 2 (Florencio del Castillo): tolls heading toward Cartago
  • Toll costs range from approximately 200 to 1,000 colones per toll station
  • Cash (colones) is accepted at all toll booths
  • Electronic toll payment (Quick Pass) available at some stations
  • Some rental cars come with electronic toll transponders
  • Keep small bills and coins handy for tolls

Driving Culture and Tips

Driving culture in Costa Rica can be aggressive by North American or European standards. Patience, defensive driving, and awareness of local customs will help keep you safe.

  • Ticos (Costa Ricans) often flash headlights to warn of police ahead or to yield right of way
  • Tailgating is common, especially on two-lane roads
  • Passing on blind curves happens frequently -- stay alert
  • Motorcycles frequently weave between lanes and pass on the right
  • Pedestrians, cyclists, and animals may share the road unexpectedly
  • Waze is the most popular navigation app and is highly recommended
  • Avoid driving at night outside urban areas (poor lighting, pedestrians, animals on road)
  • Lock your car and do not leave valuables visible
  • Car break-ins are common at tourist spots and trailheads
  • Pay attention to unmarked speed bumps (tumulos/muertos) in towns
  • Use 4x4 for destinations like Monteverde, Drake Bay, and remote beaches

Rainy Season Driving

The rainy season (green season) runs from May through November. Afternoon downpours are common and can make driving significantly more challenging, especially on unpaved roads and mountain passes.

  • Heavy afternoon rains typically occur from May to November
  • Unpaved roads can become muddy and impassable without 4x4
  • River levels rise quickly; never attempt to cross a flooded river
  • Landslides (derrumbes) can block roads, especially Ruta 32 and mountain routes
  • Reduced visibility during heavy rain -- use headlights
  • Allow extra travel time during rainy season
  • Check road conditions before departing (CONAVI road condition reports)
  • Bridges in rural areas may be narrow, one-lane, and can flood
  • Some roads to remote areas (Osa Peninsula, Nicoya beaches) may be closed

Common Hazards

Costa Rica presents several driving hazards that are less common in more developed countries. Being aware of these will help you stay safe.

  • Potholes: ubiquitous, even on major roads. Can cause serious vehicle damage
  • Unmarked speed bumps in small towns
  • Narrow bridges (many are one-lane with yield signs)
  • Pedestrians walking on road shoulders, especially in rural areas
  • Livestock on the road (cows, horses, dogs)
  • Motorcycles passing unpredictably
  • Aggressive bus and truck drivers
  • Steep, winding mountain roads with no guardrails
  • Fog in highland areas (Cerro de la Muerte, Monteverde)
  • Flash flooding during rainy season
  • Lack of road shoulders for pulling over
  • Rental car break-ins at beaches and national park trailheads

Related Pages

Renting a Car Compare rental agencies and learn about insurance requirements.
Public Transport Bus routes, schedules, and fares across Costa Rica.
Last verified: February 2026