- Drivers with points under the old system get a clean slate today
- Right Hand Vehicles banned starting today
It was six months ago, on October 26, 2012, when the new Ley de Tránsito (Traffic Law) introduced a new point system, but, it is today that the system goes into effect.
Under the new system, points are accumulated per each offense. By accumulating twelve points, the driver license will be suspended for a year.
For examle, reckless driving (driving between 120 km/h an 150 km/h) is a six point offence. Carrying children under the age of 12 and shorter tha 1.45 metres (4.7 feet) without a child seat/booster, a driver accumulates four points for each offence. Driving under the influence of alcohol or crossing the median, is each a six point offence.
In addition to the points, there is a monetary fine. In the case of the foregoing examples, each fine is ¢280.000 colones (US$560).
The change in some way generates an amnesty for violations under the old point system, giving drivers the opportunity to start over again. For clarity, if a driver had lost points under the old system – remember each license started with 50 and points were deducted per each offence) – applicable up to yesterday, today slate is wiped clean.
One other major change that also goes into effect today is “righ hand drive” (RHD) vehicles. No longer are right hand drive vehicles permitted and Riteve, the vehicular inspection service, has been instructed to reject any inspections of RHD. It is estimated there some 300 RHD vehicles in the country.
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