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Guide to Driving in Costa Rica
Costa Rica Speed Limits
| KPH | MPH | |
|---|---|---|
| Motorways | 60 | 37 |
| Open Roads | 40 | 25 |
| Built Up Areas | 25 | 15 |
Emergency Phone Numbers
| Police | 911 |
| Fire | 911 |
| Ambulance | 911 |
Useful Phrases
| Danger | Peligro |
| Diesel | Diesel |
| Exit | Salir |
| Filling Station | Estación de llenado |
| Petrol | Gasolina |
| Prohibited | Prohibido |
| Right of way | Derecho de vía |
| Roadworks | Obras viales |
| Slow | Lenta |
Fuel
In rural areas, filling stations are infrequent so it is advisable to fill up at every opportunity.
The idyllic country of Costa Rica offers visitors a huge variety of sights and activities to enjoy. Car hire in Costa Rica is a great way to explore the natural wonders and large variety of wildlife present. Road signs are displayed in Spanish here, with the most common being stop, danger or winding road signs. They are of a very similar design to that of the UK.
Toll roads are in operation in Costa Rica, the most used being the road from San Jose to Caldera. The condition of the roads varies and it is advisable to drive carefully as roads tend to be winding and pot holes are frequent. Despite this, driving in Costa Rica is the best way to explore the area at your own pace.
Why not read our Costa Rica travel guide, you may also like to view information about destinations in Costa Rica.
Essential Driving Information
- You must always carry a photocopy of your passport showing your photograph and the date you entered the country along with your driving licence and car hire contract.
- Make sure you plan your route and take a map with you on all journeys.
- It is prohibited to drive on beaches throughout Costa Rica, unless there are no other paths connecting two towns.
- Nil percentage of alcohol is allowed in driver’s blood, a zero tolerance policy operates.
- A seatbelt must be worn in the front and rear of the vehicle.
- If the police signal to pull you over, you must do so. This may occur if there is an accident ahead, or if you’re exceeding the speed limit.
- If you’re involved in an accident, wait until a police officer arrives and do not move your vehicle.
- It is advisable to avoid driving or parking in poorly lit areas.
- Ensure car doors are locked at all times, and in busy city areas, keep your windows shut.
- Should you be given a ticket, pay at the nearest state owned bank and make sure you give a copy of the receipt to the car hire company, do not give any money directly to a traffic or police officer.
- Be aware that there are a lot of pot holes on a lot of roads in Costa Rica. Expect animals, slow moving or broken down vehicles on many roads throughout Costa Rica.
- The minimum driving age in Costa Rica is 18.
- It is recommended to drive early in the day and try to avoid driving at night.
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Economy Car Hire Ltd has taken considerable care in preparing information and materials which are displayed in its website. However, Economy Car Hire Ltd is unable to provide any warranty concerning the accuracy or completeness of any information contained herein.
