Drinking and Driving Not A Good Mix, Transit Police Will Be Out In Full Force
While holiday season is tradition for partying, drivers who insist on drinking and driving will find a surprise - the watchful eyes of the Policía de Tránsito, who will be out in full force starting at 6pm tonight and will continue to do so until January 2.

Juan Rodríguez, chief of Operation at the Policía de Tránsito, confirmed that intensive operations will commence once the traditional annual "Tope" - the parade of horses - ends this afterenoon.

"We know that consuming liquor is a tradition of the Tope and as such we want to avoid a tragedy", said Rodríguez.

Tránsito has planned at least 164 "operativos" - spot checks - in places like San José, San Pedro Montes de Oca, Curridabat, Escazú, Alajuela and Heredia.

Rodríguez said that in some areas, without going into details, the roads will be completely choked off at some points forcing all drivers to be inspected. Those suspected of a little too much or being completely under the influence will be submitted to a breathelyzer and will face a fine of ¢20.000 colones and/or have their license suspended and/or have their vehicles confiscated.

Consuming three "imperiales" - the national beer - can be enough, depending on the individual, to be "legally" over the limit. The limit used by Tránsito is 0.1.

As for today expect Paseo Colon and Avenida Segunda to be completely closed off to vehicular traffic beginning at noon to make way for the Tope. The same thing for tomorrow as the traditional "carnaval" - parade - invades the route.