First you couldn’t come back, now you can’t leave – still best to pay traffic fines

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA – October 11^th, 2012 – A new, “new” system will stop foreigners with highway tickets from leaving the country, under the new Ley de Transito.

Inside Costa Rica previously published an article that foreigners with outstanding traffic tickets would not be allowed to return to Costa Rica prior to payment, as the law was written.  It now seems the government has changed its mind; perhaps realizing the first concept might not be very efficient.

Authorities have announced the implementation of a new, “new” system called “Border Closure”, which will allow airports and border crossings to impede the departure of anyone who has unpaid tickets with COSEVI (National Road Council), from the country, unless the ticket is paid.

According to authorities, approximately 6,000 tickets per year are left unpaid.  They say that a large percentage of those are also from truck and cargo drivers.

Carlos Rivas, Legal director of COSEVI, said, “this will be similar to child support payments. When you intend to leave the country, if there is a child support or alimony payment pending, it shows up in the computer system, and you cannot leave unless it’s paid. “

“If an official lets the person leave without paying the fine, it will be considered a serious offense.”

The new system will take effect immediately when the new Ley de Transito comes into force.