San José vehicle restrictions to be suspended on Dec. 21

The restriction that normally prohibits vehicles from entering downtown San José according to license plate numbers will be temporarily suspended on Friday, Dec. 21.

The suspension will last two weeks and will restart on Monday, Jan. 7, Traffic Police Director German Marín Sandí said.

Traffic Police officials estimate that as of Dec. 24, there will be a decrease in vehicle traffic as many people will be on holiday and Christmas shopping is finished.

The measure also will allow Tico families to enjoy holiday activities in the capital such as Zapote fiestas (Tico bullfightings, carrousels, etc.), the national horse parade, or tope, the San José Carnival and the Costa Rica Tour (cycling), among others.

On Dec. 21, most government offices will close for the holidays.

Marín said that most Traffic Police officers will be sent to direct traffic leaving the Central Valley and headed for tourist destinations across the country.

A vehicle’s license plate number determines which day drivers can enter downtown San José, as well as on the circunvalación, a belt route around the city.

The fine for violating the restriction is ₡20,000 ($40).