Q COSTARICA — Transit authorities in Costa Rica warn that using a cell phone while stopped at a red light or waiting for a green light is a serious infraction with a fine of ¢123,000 colones (US$266).
According to current regulations, the penalty applies not only when the vehicle is in motion, but also when it is stopped on the road, provided the driver remains in control of the vehicle and it has not been properly parked.
According to official data, 861 drivers were fined so far this year (up to May 2026), revealing how frequently motorists continue to use their cell phones while driving, even though they are stopped, but not parked.
Transit authorities emphasize that most instances of using a cell phone while driving involve situations that can wait and do not justify the risk to road safety.
The Consejo de Seguridad Vial (COSEVI) and Policía de Tránsito (Road Safety Council and the Traffic Police) emphasize that using mobile devices while driving is one of the main causes of distraction on the road.
The regulations are clear: “If you wish to use your cell phone, you must park properly, on the side of the road,” the regulations state. The fact that the traffic light is red or that the vehicle is stopped due to traffic does not exempt the driver from responsibility.
Costa Rica’s current Ley de Tránsito (Traffic Law) establishes that the infraction occurs while the vehicle is in a traffic lane, regardless of whether it is stopped at a stop sign, traffic light, or due to congestion. This interpretation seeks to close legal loopholes and strengthen the protection of pedestrians and other road users against unexpected maneuvers or delays in the driver’s reaction.
Article 145 of the Traffic Law classifies cell phone use while driving as a serious offense, equating the penalty to other high-risk behaviors. Repeat offenses can lead to additional consequences, such as the accumulation of points on the driver’s license and even its temporary suspension in cases of repeated violations.
Awareness campaigns promoted by COSEVI emphasize the preventable nature of these incidents.