Costa Rica's New Traffic & Immigration Laws

March 1, 2010 Costa Rica's new traffic and immigration laws go into effect.

Costa Rica's new traffic law, approved back in December 2008, goes into full effect today. Maximum fines for offenders will go from ˘20.000 to approximately ˘300.000. The new point system penalties include temporary or permanent suspension of a drivers license.

Costa Rica drivers will be forced to change their driving habits or pay the consequences. Although traffic officials will be lenient the first 60 days, issuing warnings for minor traffic offences, major offences will face heavy fines and points.

Every Costa Rica driver begins today with 50 points posted on their drivers license. Driving over 120 Km/h, for example, means a total loss of points and a suspension the drivers license for two years. Repeat offenders could lose their license permanently.

The new immigration law seeks to solve Costa Rica's immigration problems. Changes include the requirement of foreign residents working in Costa Rica to contribute to social security, the Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social (CCSS). Foreign residents who do not contribute will no longer be able to obtain free medical.

Foreigners are required to pay an annual fee of $25 US towards the Fondo Social Migratorio. This will raise $12 US million dollars annually.

The new legislation calls for a fine of $100 US per month to any foreigner who overstays his "legal" stay. North Americans and Europeans have a legal stay of up to 90 days, while most countries are allowed only 30 days.

Costa Rica hotels and lodging establishments are to maintain a public register of all foreigners, available for review by immigration officials at any time.

Costa Rica's Immigration Police department will expand from 35 to 285 officials.

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