RICO’s Q — In Costa Rica, after 10 p.m., advancing on a red light is not a traffic violation. But there are some important details behind this.
This unusual traffic law mainly exists to prevent crime. In cities like San José, stopping at empty intersections late at night puts drivers at serious risk of armed robberies, carjackings (bajonazo in Spanish), and what locals call “sequestro express” — a quick kidnapping where criminals hijack the car and force the driver to hit ATMs for cash before letting them go.
Since a car stopped at a red light is an easy target in the empty and dark streets, authorities realized that making drivers wait at these lights was putting them in danger.
So, between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., from Monday to Sunday, traffic light enforcement changes.
But this doesn’t mean drivers can speed through without caution.
The rule from the MOPT and the Policia de Tránsito (Traffic Police) requires strict compliance with the following: make a complete stop. It is not permitted to proceed directly at the same speed. You must stop the vehicle completely and verify that there is no risk.
Remember that this is an optional measure. And that not all drivers know this rule even exists.
In reality, a common practice of most drivers is that the red light basically acts like a yield sign as they do a rolling stop — when a driver approaches a red light, slows to a crawl, but never brings the vehicle’s wheels to a complete halt.
To minimize an inherently dangerous, many drivers flash their high beams or honk to warn others as they roll through these late-night intersections.
On the other side, it is good defensive driving, despite having the right of way, to treat green lights like yield signs during these hours, slowing down and making sure any cross traffic comes to a stop.
This pragmatic approach to traffic laws highlights how local regulations often evolve to match the realities of the environment.
By relaxing traffic enforcement during the highest-risk hours, drivers in Costa Rica can focus on staying safe and keep moving instead of sitting ducks at red lights.
This flexible rule shows how local laws can shift to fit real-life challenges. By easing up on traffic enforcement during the most dangerous hours, Costa Rican drivers can focus on staying safe and keep moving instead of sitting ducks at red lights.