Tools
Driving in Costa Rica
The rules of the road as our desk recorded them, native unit first.
Right
40 / 60 / 90 km/h · 25 / 37 / 56 mph
urban / rural / motorway
Not required
Your home licence is valid for the length of your legal stay - carry it together with your passport (or a copy with the entry stamp), which police do ask for.
0.05 % (0.02 % for drivers licensed under 3 years and professionals); above 0.075 % is a criminal offence
Cash toll booths on Ruta 27 (San José–Caldera) and San José ring roads - small amounts (under €2 per booth), colones or USD; electronic Quickpass optional.
Mandatory at night and in rain or fog; low beams recommended on highways at all times.
Strict and enforced: children under 12 or below 1.45 m must ride in an appropriate child restraint or booster, back seat.
Limits shift constantly with signage - 25 km/h at schools, up to 100 signed on stretches of Ruta 27. Green-season driving means river fords and washouts on gravel routes; check with lodges before attempting the Osa or Monteverde back roads in a 2WD.