December Travel Trivia and Updates
Deaths by motorcyclists increased 135% in the last 5 years
Q COSTA RICA — Motorcycle deaths in Costa Rica continued their upward trend for the fifth consecutive year. Between 2020 and 2024, the number of deaths occurring at the scene of an emergency increased by approximately 135%.
The statistics are derived from analyzing official data from the Dirección General de la Policía de Tránsito (DGPT) – Policía de Transito and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT).
Speeding remains the leading cause of road deaths in Costa Rica
Q COSTARICA — No surprise here. Speeding remains the deadliest factor on Costa Rican roads. Between 2022 and September 2025, it has claimed 732 lives: 192 in 2022, 204 in 2023, 175 in 2024, and 161 so far this year, according to official records.
Authorities question whether it is truly worth risking one’s own life or the lives of others to try to gain a few seconds on the road. Although many drivers think more about the fine than the human or legal consequences.
25% of homicides in Costa Rica are committed by motorcyclists
QCOSTARIA — Costa Rica is experiencing turbulent times. The wave of violence generated by the war between drug trafficking gangs has deeply affected public peace, affecting not only the perception of security but also the country’s image as a tourist paradise, a destination for foreign investment, and an ideal home for foreign retirees.
Amid this climate, a controversial legislative proposal seeks to restrict the transportation of two people on the same motorcycle in violent areas as a measure to curb contract killings.
2026 Marchamo will be more expensive
Q COSTARICA — With the start of November, the National Insurance Institute, the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS), will begin collecting the 2026 vehicle registration fee.
On Monday, starting at 8:00 a.m.
At this time, the INS has not yet announced the amount vehicle owners will have to pay, as its technicians are still uploading the data.
The link to check the amount will be available on Monday via the following link: https://marchamo.ins-cr.com/marchamo/Inicio
“The 2026 vehicle registration fee will be collected on the first business day of November, which this year falls on Monday, November 3. Starting at 8:00 a.m. this Monday, INS branches will be open for payments, as well as other authorized locations and the usual information sites. Technical teams are currently uploading data to the systems, so the official information will be available this Monday, once the mass upload is complete,” the INS stated.
Are drivers of electric cars better drivers?
RICO’s Q — The question “Are drivers of electric cars better drivers?” has been on my mind lately, and it’s an interesting one. Between the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and the stereotypes that swirl around their drivers, it’s worth unpacking what really might be going on behind the wheel.
Costa Rica lacks a strategy to stop traffic accident “massacre”
Q COSTARICA — A steady increase in traffic accidents and the number of people injured and killed in accidents is also causing the Compulsory Auto Insurance (SOA) premium to rise in Costa Rica.
This is one of the components of the annual vehicle circulation permit known as the Marchamo, and is calculated annually based on the number of people injured on the road, the severity of their injuries, and the amount required for their care.
Who is liable for damages in a traffic accident in Costa Rica?
Q COSTARICA — Traffic accidents are just part of everyday life in Costa Rica. Whether it’s a fender-bender or something far worse, every time we get behind the wheel, we’re rolling the dice.
According to Article 197 of Civil Liability, in any traffic accident in which the driver is not identified, the registered owner shall be held civilly liable for the consequences arising from the use, manipulation, possession, or ownership of the vehicle.
Half of the deaths from traffic accidents this year were motorcyclists
QCOSTARICA – Road deaths continue to mourn many Costa Rican families. On average every month 40 people (more than one a day) die from traffic accidents, according to the latest statistics from the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT). – Ministry of Public Works and Transportation.
Former Navy Journalist, published author and international speaker. Howler executive since 2019.
