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Driving — Costa Rica

What travelers need to know about driving in Costa Rica. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.

Short answer

Driving in Costa Rica: allowed only under specific conditions.

Driving in the U.S. too?The free LawLert iPhone app alerts you when you cross into a U.S. state where a law you track differs. It doesn't cover other countries yet.Get the free app

CONDITIONAL

To drive you must carry a valid passport plus a U.S. driver's license or an international driving permit.

Fines for routine traffic violations can exceed US$500; don't move your vehicle after an accident until police and an insurance investigator file reports.

§ US State Dept

Verified Jul 13, 2026

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LawLert is an independent app and is not affiliated with any government. It summarizes laws from official government and U.S. State Department sources for general information only. This is not legal advice, and laws change. Always confirm with official sources and local authorities before you travel.