As of this afternoon Thursday, the Policia de Transito (Traffic Police) report issuing more than 300 fines to drivers in vehicles without the mandatory Marchamo for 2014.
German Marin, director of the traffic police force, said this morning on Radio 90.7 FM that his officials have been ticketing drivers since Wednesday.
Marin added that there is no excuse for circulating without payment. The Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) – state insurer – enabled payment in November at INS offices and authorized agents, banks and financial institutions. Payment can also be made online.
The Marchamo or vehicular circulation permit was due payable by December 31, meaning that drivers expose themselves to a ¢49.000 colones fine (plus costs) and possible confiscation of the license plate and vehicle..
According to director Marin, his officials will ticket a driver every time they are picked off and on multiple officences, officials may even end up confiscating the vehicle.
If a plate or vehicle is confiscated, the registered owner is the only person who can recover either and that can only occur staring Monday, January 6, when the COSEVI (Road Safety Council) re-opens following the holiday break and issue an order for the return of the plates or vehicles, after all fines are paid.
According to INS records, as of 3pm today, without payment are still 16.2% or some 15.0000 of all registered vehicles in the country. This figure includes vehicles that are no longer in circulation but have not be unregistered, and vehicles owners are on vacation.
