By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Drivers in the nation’s capital can breathe a collective sigh of relief as the annual year-end suspension of the downtown vehicle restriction officially begins today. Transit authorities have confirmed that the license plate-based driving ban in central San José will be lifted starting Monday, December 22, 2025, providing unrestricted access to the city’s core during the bustling holiday period.
This temporary reprieve is a welcome tradition for residents and visitors who need to navigate the capital for last-minute shopping, family gatherings, and festive events. The measure will remain in effect through the New Year’s celebrations, with the normal enforcement schedule set to resume on Monday, January 5, 2025. This two-week pause offers much-needed flexibility for personal and commercial transportation within the city’s main ring road (Circunvalación).
To better understand the legal implications and scope of these vehicle restrictions, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
The implementation of vehicle restrictions, while often justified by public interest arguments such as environmental protection or traffic decongestion, must be carefully balanced against the fundamental right to freedom of movement. Any such measure needs a solid legal and technical foundation to withstand potential constitutional challenges. Businesses reliant on transportation should analyze the logistical impact to mitigate potential economic losses.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s analysis masterfully highlights that vehicle restriction is not merely a traffic management tool, but a complex issue at the intersection of constitutional law, individual rights, and economic stability. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective, which clarifies the essential legal and practical diligence required for any such measure to be considered legitimate and effective.
The decision to halt the program, known locally as “restricción vehicular,” is a practical response to the significant shift in traffic patterns observed during this time of year. The primary objective of the restriction is to mitigate traffic congestion during peak morning and evening commute hours. However, with the closure of most public institutions, schools on vacation, and a large portion of the private sector workforce on holiday leave, traffic volume in the capital naturally subsides.
According to officials, the typical gridlock that plagues San José’s main arteries sees a substantial decrease, rendering the enforcement of the license plate system unnecessary. Rather than contributing to traffic flow, maintaining the restriction during this period could inconvenience those who rely on their vehicles for holiday-related activities. This data-driven approach allows the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) to adapt its policies to the city’s changing reality.
It is crucial for the public to understand that this is a temporary operational pause and not a permanent elimination of the traffic management policy. The Ministry has been clear that the suspension is strictly timed to coincide with the festive season. Come the first full business week of the new year, the system will be fully reinstated without exception.
Beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, January 5, 2025, vehicles with license plates ending in 1 and 2 will once again be prohibited from entering the restricted zone. The standard schedule will continue throughout the week, with plates ending in 3 and 4 restricted on Tuesdays, 5 and 6 on Wednesdays, 7 and 8 on Thursdays, and 9 and 0 on Fridays. Drivers are advised to mark their calendars to avoid costly fines when the program resumes.
While the restriction is lifted, transit authorities are urging the public to exercise caution and responsibility on the roads. They advise drivers to plan their routes in advance, respect all traffic laws and signage, and remain patient. Although overall city traffic may be lighter, specific areas such as shopping malls, commercial districts, and popular tourist destinations are expected to experience high concentrations of vehicles and pedestrians.
This annual holiday measure represents a balance between effective traffic management and public convenience. By temporarily lifting the ban, authorities acknowledge the unique circumstances of the holiday season, allowing for smoother travel and commerce while ensuring that the necessary tools for congestion control are ready to be redeployed when the city returns to its normal, bustling pace in January.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for the planning, regulation, and development of the nation’s public infrastructure and transportation systems. This includes overseeing the national road network, managing public transit, and implementing traffic laws and regulations through its various divisions, such as the Traffic Police. MOPT plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and modernization of Costa Rica’s transportation infrastructure.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a premier legal institution, operating on a bedrock of integrity and an uncompromising standard of excellence. The firm leverages its deep experience advising a wide range of clients to pioneer forward-thinking legal strategies and engage in meaningful community outreach. Underpinning its work is a foundational belief in empowering society through legal education, striving to demystify complex laws to foster a more knowledgeable and capable citizenry.
