International driving license – valid in Costa Rica

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Valid from 1 to 3 years

Drive Legally Overseas

Translated in 12 Languages

Recognized in over 150 countries

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Order my international driving permit now

International driving license – valid in Costa Rica

Instant Approval

Fast & Easy Process

Valid from 1 to 3 years

Drive Legally Overseas

Translated in 12 Languages

Recognized in over 150 countries

Worldwide Express Shipping​

Order my international driving permit now

Driving Rules in Costa Rica

One cannot deny the enchanting atmosphere of a cloudy rainforest. Costa Rica is one of the few places on the planet that is blessed with such unique sceneries. Whether you are traveling for work, school, or leisure, this subtropical country has something in store for you. Road trip destinations in Costa Rica are both frequented by international and local travelers alike. If you are a seasoned outdoor swashbuckler, exploring the many rainforests’ unpaved trails will bewilder you.   

Important Reminders:

• Traffic moves on the right side of the road.
• The minimum driving age is 18 years old. 
• It is not permitted to drive on beaches and voids all insurance.
• The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.05.
• It is mandatory to wear seatbelts for drivers and passengers in the front and rear seats.   
• The Collision coverage and Liability coverage insurance are mandatory in Costa Rica for all drivers.
• The speed limit in the city is 40-60 km/h (25-37 mph), outside cities 80-100km/h (50-62 mph), near schools and hospitals – 25 km/h (15 mph).
• Over-taking on the right-hand side is not allowed.
• It is not permitted to talk on a cell phone while driving.
• Throwing garbage from the vehicle is illegal.
• Drivers must carry their driver licenses all the time when driving.

Additional Information for driving in Costa Rica:

In Costa Rica, road signs are displayed in Spanish. There are many STOP, DANGER, and WINDING ROAD signs.
The road condition varies. Animals, slow moving or broken down vehicles are common on many roads.
As in Costa Rica, there are many gravel and dirt roads, 4 wheel drive vehicles are helpful.
It is recommended to avoid driving at night and driving and parking in poorly lit areas. Car doors should be locked at all times and windows shut.
If a vehicle is involved in an accident, its driver must do not move his vehicle and wait a police officer arrives.
If a driver is fined, he must should pay at the nearest state owned bank and give a copy of the receipt to the rental car company. The driver should not give money directly to the police officer.
In Costa Rica, there are some toll roads; the most used is the road from San Jose to Caldera.
As a rule, to rent a car a driver must be 21 year of age. Some hire car companies require 25 years as a minimum driving age.
The law allows police officers to perform alcohol test any driver.
Bridges in Costa Rica can be very narrow and many do not have guardrails.
The police phone number is 911.

Local Speeds of Costa Rica:

If you are used to driving on the flat and carefully maintained highways in North America and much of Europe, you’ll be accustomed to driving at greater speeds than is generally permitted in Costa Rica.
A guideline to speed limits while driving in Costa Rica would be:

● On highways: 90 kph/54 mph

● In urban areas: 40 kph/24 mph

● Near schools and hospitals: 25 kph/15 mph