Traffic officials present first report on new Traffic Law

Authorities from the Roadway Safety Council (COSEVI) and the Traffic Police on Monday presented a report to President Laura Chinchilla on the actions taken after the new Traffic Law took effect last Friday.

COSEVI Director Silvia Bolaños reported that a new decree outlining vehicle restrictions, which prohibits cars from traveling in downtown San José on certain days according to license plate numbers, was digitally published Friday in the official newspaper La Gaceta. Starting this week, all traffic officers are implementing the regulations.

The new Traffic Law entered into force with only two of the 20 necessary regulations and also without the appropriate officer training, a problem Public Works and Transport (MOPT) Minister Pedro Castro called “institutional weakness.”

MOPT said in a press release that on Nov. 15, the ministry will launch a public information campaign for drivers with detailed information on fines.

A third regulation on requirements for motorcyclists, who now must wear helmets and specific retro reflective clothing, is expected to be ready next Friday.

A partial report Monday said more than 500 violations had been cited by Traffic Police.