www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Was in Costa Rica about 18 months ago...Got a speeding ticket while I was there. Didn't pay it before I left...While writing the ticket the cop had my passport with him...If I go back soon (like I am planning), do you think that ticket will pop up on their computer screen at the airport when I enter the country....or leaving?

Anybody been through this?

_________________
Jeb

I was told that if you get these tickets you would have to appear in court. I assume the cop would have said something to you if he knows you're not a local.

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

Your name will raise no alarms at Immigration or anywhere actually. If you had a rental car check your CC statements as most likely they charged the cost of the ticket to you.



They over paid! 5 to 10 mil handles the situation. All that will change when the new law and the increased fines take effect.

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

really? if you slip them a $20 that would have suffice? damit

so when the new fines take effect..you saying we may need to slip them a little more than $20?

Do you know when it'll go in effect?

.

September 23.

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

Not likely. Some fines go from 10000 colones to 200000 colones.

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

yes, 20 dollars got me out of a speeding ticket last year on the way to Puerto Viejo....i still think they nailed me with a hair dryer

You may be right, ID, maybe not. Say I am driving and get stopped for whatever and I have c20,000 in my pocket. Do you think they would prefer to write the c200,000 ticket and take nothing or would they take the c20,000 and call it good?

I'm inclined to believe that the amount of the "fine" is directly linked to the amount of coin in your pocket.

_________________
"Your love gives me such a thrill
but your love don't pay my bills,
I NEED THE MONEY!" - John Lee Hooker

Disclaimer: The above is merely the opinion of the author unless specific scientific data is included.
Your mileage may vary. https://costaricaticas.com/phpBB2/viewto ... 978#206978

You make my point. Today a 5 or 10 mil note will work. You are correct in saying that after September 23 it will be 20 mil or more.

Currently the transitos settle for 5 or 10 because they know you will not pay anymore then that because the fine is very close to that amount. When the fine for not wearing a seat belt is over $300.00 they will want a lot more then 20 mil to not write the ticket and most will pay the 40 or 50 mil rather then go to court and hope to beat the charge.

The real 'elephant in the room" here has not been mentioned. The new law introduces a point system. Some of the minor offenses carry a major point reduction. I say reduction because in typical Tico fashion they do not use the common system of giving points. Their system starts every driver off with 50 points. Each violation causes you to lose points. When you get to zero your license is suspended.

That threat alone will cause motorists to pay a hefty bribe to avoid the points.

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

Right, ID, but I don't carry more than c20,000. Are you thinking that they would write the ticket and take nothing rather than take the c20,000? I'm thinking no.

_________________
"Your love gives me such a thrill
but your love don't pay my bills,
I NEED THE MONEY!" - John Lee Hooker

Disclaimer: The above is merely the opinion of the author unless specific scientific data is included.
Your mileage may vary. https://costaricaticas.com/phpBB2/viewto ... 978#206978

Only one way to find out. Let us know how it works out for you.

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

Well, I don't drive if I've had more than a couple so a traffic infraction is about the best they are going to get me for. I will post when I find out....

_________________
"Your love gives me such a thrill
but your love don't pay my bills,
I NEED THE MONEY!" - John Lee Hooker

Disclaimer: The above is merely the opinion of the author unless specific scientific data is included.
Your mileage may vary. https://costaricaticas.com/phpBB2/viewto ... 978#206978

I wasn't referring to DUI. The new law for that has been in effect for 8 months or so. Over .075 ba and it's an immediate ride to jail, heavy fine or jail time, impounding of your vehicle and 50 points off your allowance bringing you to zero so suspended license.

What I was discussing are the penalties for routine traffic infractions. A couple of examples of how easy it is to get 50 points taken away for just a few multiple violation combination's:

1. Running a red light and a stop sign

2. Speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, using a cell phone while driving

3. Blocking traffic, speeding in front of a hospital, not carrying booster cables or first aid kit, too many passengers

As far as the payment to get away without a ticket the situation is to me analogous to a HDR prostitute. Some will refuse to budge off $100 and go home without scoring. They need the money and logically should accept the offered $80 but are not willing to sell themselves for what the consider to little money. I think some transitos will refuse 20 mil even though they need the money for the same reason. Also both consider gringos as rich and therefore are just trying to take advantage of them since they easily can afford the asking price and will not budge off their price for that reason.

Hopefully you will not be pulled over and have to test your theory.

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