Breaking Laws In Costa Rica: What Are The Consequences?

If you break the law in Costa Rica, the consequences depend on the severity of the infraction. In most cases, you will probably be fined, and the police officer will communicate the amount and the time provided to pay it. However, for more serious offences, you could face repercussions beyond fines, such as jail time. For example, drinking and driving with a blood alcohol concentration of more than 0.05% can result in a $410 fine or at least 3 years in jail.

Drinking in public is illegal

The law was designed to prevent people from drinking on the street and causing a disturbance. If you are drinking discreetly and not causing any trouble, it is unlikely that the police will take issue. However, as a tourist, you may be targeted for a bribe, so it is best to be cautious and avoid drinking in public if possible.

Costa Rica's drinking laws are similar to those in the United States and Europe, with a legal drinking age of 18 years. Alcohol is sold every day of the week and can be purchased in liquor stores and most supermarkets and convenience stores. However, some cantons ban the sale of alcohol in the days before Easter, and during public events such as elections and Independence Day, although enforcement of these "dry laws" is often relaxed in tourist areas.

If you plan on drinking, it is best to call an Uber or a cab, or have a designated driver. The blood alcohol limit for driving is 0.05%, and violating this can result in a $410 fine or even jail time.

You must be 18 to drink and smoke

In Costa Rica, you must be 18 years old to drink and smoke. The minimum legal drinking age in Costa Rica is 18 years old, and the law is strictly enforced. Alcoholic beverages are sold every day of the week throughout the year, although some cantons ban the sale of alcohol in the days before Easter. Liquor, beer, and wine are sold in liquor stores and most supermarkets and convenience stores. While there is no open container law in Costa Rica, and there is no legal problem with drinking alcoholic beverages inside a car as long as the driver is not drinking, drinking in public spaces is prohibited. This includes consuming alcohol on the street, which will result in trouble with the police.

The same rules apply to smoking in Costa Rica. While many Costa Ricans smoke, smoking is prohibited in all public spaces, including restaurants, bars, offices, and outdoor areas such as public parks and bus stops. The only exception is the street, where anyone can smoke. The law was created to protect non-smokers' right to a nicotine-free environment. As long as you do not expose a stranger to second-hand smoke, you should be alright.

Driving laws are strictly enforced

The speed limits in Costa Rica are posted on street signs and are measured in kilometres. Driving over 74.5 mph (120 km/h) anywhere in the country is considered a felony, with consequences for exceeding the speed limit by more than 25 mph (40 km/h). The speed limits vary depending on the type of road: on highways, the limit is usually 120-90 km/h; in cities like San Jose, it's 60 km/h; and on rural roads, it's 80 km/h.

It is important to note that the roads in Costa Rica are often in poor condition, with potholes and other hazards. The road infrastructure is rarely in good condition, so drivers should always keep a close eye on their speed and the road conditions. Driving long distances at night is not recommended, especially during the rainy season, as street lighting is sparse and the roads are often narrow and winding.

Another important law to be aware of is that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited. The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.05%, and violating this law can result in a $410 fine or even jail time. It is also illegal to use a mobile phone while driving.

All occupants of the vehicle should wear seat belts, and children under 12 or smaller than 1.45 m must use child safety seats. In addition, passing on the right is not allowed, and yellow lines indicate no-passing zones. Driving on beaches is prohibited unless there is no other path connecting two towns.

It is also worth noting that Costa Rica does not have an open container law, meaning it is not legally a problem to drink alcoholic beverages inside a car as long as the driver is not drinking. However, passengers should not disturb the driver's ability to drive.

Open container laws are relaxed

While Costa Rica has an open container law designed to keep public spaces clean and safe, it is quite relaxed. The law states that it is prohibited to consume alcoholic beverages on public roads or beaches. However, the revision of the law in 2012 gave each canton within Costa Rica the autonomy to decide how strictly they want to enforce it. For instance, the local authorities in Jaco Beach are rather lenient, and generally, the decision to enforce open container laws is left to the discretion of the local authorities.

The absence of a stringent open container law means that there is no legal problem with drinking alcoholic beverages inside a car, as long as the driver is not drinking and no passengers disturb the driver's ability. However, it is important to remember that drinking in public spaces like parks or beaches could result in hefty fines or even arrest by local authorities. Therefore, it is always best to refrain from drinking in public areas that have not been designated as adult-beverage friendly.

If you plan to drink, it is advisable to hire an Uber or taxi or appoint a designated driver for the night. This will help you avoid any potential harm to yourself or others and ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable time.

Overall, the open container laws in Costa Rica are relatively relaxed, with local authorities having the flexibility to enforce them as they see fit. As a visitor or resident, it is essential to be mindful of local regulations and drink responsibly to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

Marijuana is decriminalised

The police in Costa Rica do not have a specific protocol for dealing with cannabis users. If you are found with a small dosage of marijuana, which is informally considered to be between 1-8 grams, the police will confiscate the drugs. If you are found with a larger amount, you may be formally arrested. It is worth noting that any police officer can detain you and confiscate the substance and paraphernalia if you are caught consuming drugs in a public area.

In January 2016, a criminal tribunal in Alajuela acquitted an attorney who had planted marijuana for personal consumption. The tribunal's decision was based on the fact that it could not be proven that the drugs were intended for sale and trafficking. The judge clarified that while growing marijuana is illegal, it is not a crime if it is not sold.

In March 2022, Costa Rica President Carlos Alvarado signed a bill legalising marijuana for therapeutic and medicinal use. However, recreational cannabis use remains prohibited.

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