www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Yes, today is the day that driving 70mph can get your license suspended, get you fined around $400 and perhaps get your car impounded. I did a post on this on my blog a while back:

http://www.usexpatcostarica.com/2010/01/traffic-crime-and-punishment-in-costa-rica/

both insidecostarica.com and amcostarica.com have articles on the new law today. As you would expect there is some conflicting information.

From AMCostaRica:

And from Insidecostarica:

So whom to believe? I think you can believe me when I tell you that bribery income for a dishonest officer (if such a thing exists, of course) will increase nicely. When lawmakers pass laws like these, it makes you wonder if they actually LIVE in Costa Rica.

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"The only normal people are those you don't know very well." Joe Ancis

Once again, I have never been happier to not own a car here.

BKTUNA/Boyd
I am never going home

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BKTUNA/Boyd
I am never going home

Me too BK. Let the taxis worry about the new traffic laws.

Even if I lived there, don't know if I'd own a car. I think I'd use public transport in SJ, and just rent a car if I ever wanted to take a trip.

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Man I'm living life like a great white shark swimming with minnows! It's all about panocha, great scotch, fine cigars, loud-ass rock music and speed, speed, speed - plus spending as much time as possible in paradise on earth, Costa Rica!

Almost every resident I know have said that.


Now we all own cars.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

What you mean WE, paleface?

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"The only normal people are those you don't know very well." Joe Ancis

I will admit that your perspective can change over time, so only time will tell. At this moment, whenever I see drivers zooming around in San Jose I constantly think to myself "No way no HOW MF!!"

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Man I'm living life like a great white shark swimming with minnows! It's all about panocha, great scotch, fine cigars, loud-ass rock music and speed, speed, speed - plus spending as much time as possible in paradise on earth, Costa Rica!

That is why perspectives change. After living here awhile a riding in cabs you say "I can do that".

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Will give you a pass Bilko. Many who live in downtown in cities around the world they find no need for a car. But us suburbanites luv our wheels.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Yes, suburbs and cars are symbiotic. On a trip back to the States, I was stranded in a suburb without a car, and stranded is exactly the word.

Oh, and btw, I did yet ANOTHER post about the new traffic laws today. I apologize but I just can't help myself.

http://www.usexpatcostarica.com/2010/03/looking-backward-through-tinted-windows/

I promise to find another subject soon. Really.

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"The only normal people are those you don't know very well." Joe Ancis

These laws create a higher incentive for drivers to "bribe" the cops. And I am positive tráficos will start requesting higher bribes.

Going rate is now 50k colones, up from 5 or 10k

Yep, got clipped on Monday evening for passing a slow moving truck and crossing a double yellow line. Truck going 25k in a 40k min zone was not stopped.

New fine was about $400, "official warning" was $100 (took 50,000c, guess he wasn't that current on the exchange rate )

Bill

hehe....he say "...pairofdice...."!!!!

jejeje....he say "....its all in play and out in the open now...."......

say it ain't so, Joe.....say it ain't so....hahahahahhhahahahahhaha

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"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

WTF??....qué bicho raro



Cujo

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"Pain is the fuel that fans the flames of my pyre. A battle plan is only as good as the general carrying it out on the field. This is my war son, and I have the biggest bombs and the smallest conscience"...