Pay Marchamo On Time or Face Fines
With only two days to go (today and tomorrow) only 86% have paid their "marchamo" - the annual vehicular circulation permit.

Transit authorities say that this year there will be no grace period. Owners of vehicles found circulating without their marchamo beginning Jan. 1 will face a fine of  ¢10.000 colones and risk having the license plates confiscated.

In the past, the Policía de Tránsito always gave a 15 day grace period. Now no more. Owners will also face late penalties of 3% per month, 2% on unpaid parking fines and .1% per day on all other traffic violations.

In addition, those who are additional (voluntary) insurance coverage will not be covered if the marchamo is not up to date in the event of an accident.

Though banks are closed today and tomorrow, more than 500 INS authorized insurance offices are open, but expect lines.

The cost of the marchamo is based on the year and make of the vehicle. A later model vehicle will pay more than an older model, same as the the make, like a Mercedes will pay more than a Toyota of the same year.

To find out what you owe on your marchamo, click here.