Tips on Driving in Costa Rica

Driving in Costa Rica can be a little different that your experiences in North America or Canada. Once you start on your journey you will quickly pick up on the Tico way of driving.
To start off, you will require to have your valid U.S. or Canadian driver’s licence, and it must be valid for at least three months. A copy of your passport should also be carried with you at all times, including proof of the entry date into Costa Rica. The rental company should also provide you with a vehicle registration document and the safety inspection.

Stop signs for example mean something different in Costa Rica than what they mean everywhere else. Here in Costa Rica it means slow down and proceed with caution. This is also true of a red light, which again is interpreted as a pause, then proceed if there is an opening. Doesn’t this seem a bit like a stop sign? A little different wouldn’t you say.

To make things a bit more confusing, the government implemented traffic light signal stands that include a stop sign on the same pole. Ticos interpret this as if the light is red and there is a stop sign present, then the drivers will stop and wait for the light to turn green.

As in any unfamiliar country it is important to follow common sense when driving and there are a few tips that can be easily followed to ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience in Costa Rica.

1. Don’t drive at night. You are not familiar with the roads and it is dark, impeding you seeing the road completely. There are many areas on the narrow roads that do not have guardrails and there have been reports of carjackings in the evenings.
2. Do not leave anything valuable in your car, you are guaranteed to be broken into and may be responsible for the damage to the vehicle as well.
3. Don’t count on signage to get you to your destination – signs are few and far between and are not accurate.
4. If you get a ticket, do not pay it to the officer who has issued it, it may been interpreted as a bribe and you could be in more trouble than you thought. Tickets should be paid when the rental car is returned.
5. Fill up your tank before you leave on any destination as gas stations are not readily available.
6. The law requires you to wear a seat belt.
7. If you are in an accident, don’t move your vehicle, wait until the police arrive to make a report.