www.CostaRicaTicas.com

As far as the payment to get away without a ticket the situation is to me analogous to a HDR prostitute.

Somehow, I'm failing to see the analogy between writing a ticket and opening up your legs for a "fat, old, and bald" gringo.

Does anyone have a link to the actual language of the new traffic law?

A couple of the things I would like to know is what does the law specify as meeting the criteria of a:

1.) First aid kit (is it two band aids and a bottle of disinfectant or a field surgical kit);

2.) Flash light (do they specify the candle power, duration of time it has to remain lit, does a spot light powered through the cigarette light work, or perhpas a battery powered camping lantern, etc.)

ID I cannot remember where I heard that a flash light was required. That is one of the reasons I wanted to read the law but have not been able to find it online. I also heard that a fire extinguishers and jumper cables were going to be a requirement. DC

40 Corrupt Traffic Officials Fired In The Last Three Years

A total of 40 corrupt "tránsitos" (traffic officials) have been fired during the current government according to the director of the Tránsito police force, Germán Marín, during an online chat on www.aldia.cr.

Marín was answering a question by a man who expressed concern of the "chorizos" (bribes) that may be demanded by Tránsitos once the new Ley de Tránsito takes effect starting September 23, when traffic fines multiply up to 20 times or more from the current.

The concern by many, expressed during the chat, centred on the requirement of a first aid kit that has to be included in every vehicle. Another concern by chatters is the requirement under the new law that a vehicle must have seatbelts for every passenger even if the vehicle does not come equipped with such.

When the new law takes effect next month, all vehicles with the license plate ending with a 9 will be the first to have to meet the requirements as the first series of vehicles that will be going through the inspection.

Marín answered some of the queries by saying that all vehicles must have seatbelts in the front seats and recommendable to have them installed in the rear as well if the vehicle is not equipped with such, not answering the direct question if that they are required to pass inspection or not.

As to the first aid kit, the Tránsito director replied with a we will see, as the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Tránsportes (MOPT) is analyzing the situation, especially in the area of the type of medication that will be required to be included.

Other questions by chatters referred to the use of "hands free" for cellular phones. Director Marín reconfirmed that the use of hands free devices are permitted.

Although the use of a cellular phone - that is holding the cellular phone with one hand to the ear - is currently prohibited, the fine is only ¢10.000 colones at present, while in September that fine goes to ¢170.250 and 20 points. Using a fixed in car "hands free" kit, an earphone or "bluetooth" device is totally permitted, Marín assures.

On the subject of the new fines, many chatters expressed disconcern for the amount of the new fines, some saying that the fines are just another way of the government getting more money from the people.

Marín responded by saying that the new fines are not there for people to pay up, but something for a driver to consider before making an illegal maneuvre. The director defended the high fines not so much so that the driver pays up, but rather that he or she respects the rules of the road.

The worst part about the new traffic law is the "points" system that is being implemented. Accumulate enough infractions and the driver will be banned from driving! With this in mind, I would recommend trying to pay any fines "on-the-spot".

On the bright side, 80% of ticos will likely have their licenses suspended in the next 6 months That should cut down on traffic considerably (assuming they actually don't drive on a suspended license).

I know people that just slip the cop $40-$60 if they're about to be ticketed and the cop will just hand you back your passport and smile at you and you can just go on your way...so i've heard