New rules for vehicle technical inspection (RTV) in January
November 5th, 2012 (InsideCostaRica.com) The Vehicle Technical Inspection (RTV or Riteve) will have a few more rules beginning January 1st.
In June, Cosevi made a few changes to its rules, related to the security of vehicles. Some of these were immediately established, whilst the rest were given a 6-month grace period, meaning they will be penalized as of January 1st, 2013.
The changes were established in June but given a 6-month grace period, until January 1st of 2013. Riteve is warning residents of several new infractions that will result in a vehicle failing the inspection.
For example, in vehicles that were “inscribed” (registered) in 2009 and afterwards, headrests will be mandatory.
Vehicles must also now have seatbelts in the back seats.
Inspectors will also check the gas tank to ensure that it is not loose or rusty, which will now result in a failure of the inspection, as well as not having a muffler.
All vehicles in Costa Rica must pass the inspection once a year if the vehicle is over 5 years old, and every 2 years if the vehicle is under 5 years old. The cost of the inspection is about $20, and the inspection must generally be made in the month of the last number on the vehicle’s license plate number (for example, if the license plate ends in 5, the driver has the entire month of May to carry out the inspection).
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