Vehicle restriction in effect only during rush hour starting Thursday

A new schedule for vehicle restrictions in the capital will begin Thursday. Restrictions will now be in effect only from 6 to 7:30 a.m. and from 4:30 to 7 p.m., according to a press release from the Public Works and Transport Ministry (MOPT).

In the past, vehicle restrictions were applied from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Now, vehicles can be fined only during rush hour.

Drivers with restricted plates will be prohibited from traveling in downtown San José and within the Circunvalación, a belt route around the city.

As of Jan. 1, fines for driving with a restricted license are ₡41,080 ($82). On Mondays, cars with license plates ending with a 1 or 2 cannot enter the restricted zone during rush hour. On Tuesdays, plates ending in 3 or 4 are banned, those ending with 5 or 6 are prohibited Wednesdays, 7 or 8 on Thursdays, and 9 or 0 on Fridays.

The restrictions do not apply to motorcycles, public transportation vehicles, school buses and vehicles of disabled people.

According to the press release, the new executive decree will be published today in the government’s official publication, La Gaceta. The new schedule for restricted plates will be re-evaluated after three months. In April, MOPT will decide whether the new hours meet with a mandate to reduce congestion in the city or if the old hours need to be reinstated.