Costa Rica vs. Czech Republic: Driving Safety Essentials
When navigating the roads of Costa Rica and the Czech Republic, drivers encounter distinct regulations and practices that can significantly impact their journey. Key differences include speed limits, lane usage, and alcohol tolerance levels, with Costa Rica allowing a higher blood alcohol limit compared to the Czech Republic's strict zero tolerance. Understanding these variances is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable driving experience abroad.
Lanes
| Costa rica | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the left edge on divided roads. | Used for marking no-parking zones. |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | Used for temporary traffic situations. |
| Overtaking: On Right | Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. | Only on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | No | Yes |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Buses typically use regular traffic lanes. | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | N/A | Labeled 'BUS' or specific road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Limited | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Shared roads marked or planned for cyclist use. | Exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | N/A | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Speed limits are generally static. | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
costa rica:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
czech republic:
Used for marking no-parking zones.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
costa rica:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
czech republic:
Used for temporary traffic situations.
Overtaking: On Right
costa rica:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
czech republic:
Only on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Bus Lanes: Presence
costa rica:
No
czech republic:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
costa rica:
Buses typically use regular traffic lanes.
czech republic:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
costa rica:
N/A
czech republic:
Labeled 'BUS' or specific road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
costa rica:
Limited
czech republic:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
costa rica:
Shared roads marked or planned for cyclist use.
czech republic:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
costa rica:
N/A
czech republic:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
costa rica:
No
czech republic:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
costa rica:
Speed limits are generally static.
czech republic:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Costa rica | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 25-40 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 25 km/h | 20-30 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 60-80 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 60-80 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 60-80 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-100 km/h | 130 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 80 km/h | 100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | 80-90 km/h |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Speed limits are generally static. | Electronic signs display current limits. |
| Enforcement: Speed Cameras | Limited use | Yes |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Common; fines may be issued by police roadside | Yes, commonly applied |
Urban Areas: Standard
costa rica:
25-40 km/h
czech republic:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
costa rica:
25 km/h
czech republic:
20-30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
costa rica:
60-80 km/h
czech republic:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
costa rica:
60-80 km/h
czech republic:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
costa rica:
60-80 km/h
czech republic:
90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
costa rica:
80-100 km/h
czech republic:
130 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
costa rica:
80 km/h
czech republic:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
costa rica:
80 km/h
czech republic:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
costa rica:
No
czech republic:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
costa rica:
Speed limits are generally static.
czech republic:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
costa rica:
Limited use
czech republic:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
costa rica:
Common; fines may be issued by police roadside
czech republic:
Yes, commonly applied
Signals
| Costa rica | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles. |
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Costa Rica | Not used. |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when entering and exiting |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Only in cases to avoid accidents | Only in cases to avoid accidents. |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Excessive use discouraged; can be subject to fines | Unnecessary use prohibited in most areas. |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | Fines may apply for misuse | Fines may apply for misuse. |
| Headlight Flash: Usage | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking. |
| Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage | Not to be used to signal other messages | Not to be used to signal other messages. |
| Hand Signals: Permitted | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning. |
| Hand Signals: Common Usage | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected. |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Spanish; symbols are standard | Czech; symbols are standard. |
| Traffic Signs: Priority | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed. |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangle-shaped with red border | Triangle-shaped with red border. |
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
costa rica:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
czech republic:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
costa rica:
Not used in Costa Rica
czech republic:
Not used.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
costa rica:
Signal when exiting
czech republic:
Signal when entering and exiting
Horn Usage: Allowed
costa rica:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
czech republic:
Only in cases to avoid accidents.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
costa rica:
Excessive use discouraged; can be subject to fines
czech republic:
Unnecessary use prohibited in most areas.
Horn Usage: Penalties
costa rica:
Fines may apply for misuse
czech republic:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
costa rica:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
czech republic:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking.
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
costa rica:
Not to be used to signal other messages
czech republic:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
costa rica:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
czech republic:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
costa rica:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
czech republic:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
costa rica:
Spanish; symbols are standard
czech republic:
Czech; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
costa rica:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
czech republic:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
costa rica:
Triangle-shaped with red border
czech republic:
Triangle-shaped with red border.
Turns
| Costa rica | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Allowed unless prohibited by a sign | Generally not allowed unless specifically indicated by a green arrow. |
| Left Turn: General | Permitted unless prohibited by signs | Permitted unless prohibited by signs. |
| Left Turn: At Intersections | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left. |
| U- Turns Allowed | Prohibited unless indicated otherwise | Allowed unless prohibited by signs. |
| Special Turn Lanes | Yes, marked with arrows | Yes, marked with arrows. |
| Overtaking While Turning | Prohibited | Prohibited. |
Right Turn On Red
costa rica:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
czech republic:
Generally not allowed unless specifically indicated by a green arrow.
Left Turn: General
costa rica:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
czech republic:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
costa rica:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
czech republic:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
costa rica:
Prohibited unless indicated otherwise
czech republic:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
costa rica:
Yes, marked with arrows
czech republic:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
costa rica:
Prohibited
czech republic:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Costa rica | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Requirement | Valid driver's license required | Valid driver's license required. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted without International Driving Permit. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | International Driving Permit recommended or required. |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annual inspection required; proof required | Annual inspection mandatory. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the windshield | Displayed on the windshield. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Mandatory. |
Driver's License: Requirement
costa rica:
Valid driver's license required
czech republic:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
costa rica:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
czech republic:
Accepted without International Driving Permit.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
costa rica:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
czech republic:
International Driving Permit recommended or required.
Insurance
costa rica:
Liability insurance mandatory
czech republic:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
costa rica:
Annual inspection required; proof required
czech republic:
Annual inspection mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
costa rica:
Displayed on the windshield
czech republic:
Displayed on the windshield.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
costa rica:
Mandatory
czech republic:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
costa rica:
Not mandatory
czech republic:
Mandatory.
Road Etiquette
| Costa rica | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Flashing Lights: Usage | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake. |
| Flashing Lights: Misuse | Discouraged, fines may apply | Discouraged, fines may apply. |
| Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic. |
| Lane Courtesy: Blocking | Discouraged and may be penalized | Discouraged and may be penalized. |
| Use Of Horn: Limited | Only in emergency situations | Only in emergency situations. |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Frequent use is common to signal intentions | Less frequent use compared to some countries. |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks. |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary. |
| Emergency Vehicles: Awareness | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights. |
Flashing Lights: Usage
costa rica:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
czech republic:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
costa rica:
Discouraged, fines may apply
czech republic:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
costa rica:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
czech republic:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
costa rica:
Discouraged and may be penalized
czech republic:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
costa rica:
Only in emergency situations
czech republic:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
costa rica:
Frequent use is common to signal intentions
czech republic:
Less frequent use compared to some countries.
Pedestrians Priority
costa rica:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
czech republic:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
costa rica:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
czech republic:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
costa rica:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
czech republic:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Costa rica | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 0.00% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00% | 0.00%; zero tolerance |
| Zero Tolerance: Drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs. |
| Zero Tolerance: Medications | Check if medication affects driving ability | Check if medication affects driving ability. |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common; checkpoints are used throughout | Common, often at checkpoints. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Can be substantial; varies by offense severity | Can be substantial. |
| Enforcement: Imprisonment | Possible for severe offenses | Possible for severe offenses. |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
costa rica:
0.05%
czech republic:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
costa rica:
0.00%
czech republic:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
costa rica:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
czech republic:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
costa rica:
Check if medication affects driving ability
czech republic:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
costa rica:
Common; checkpoints are used throughout
czech republic:
Common, often at checkpoints.
Enforcement: Fines
costa rica:
Can be substantial; varies by offense severity
czech republic:
Can be substantial.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
costa rica:
Possible for severe offenses
czech republic:
Possible for severe offenses.
Test Refusal
costa rica:
Can result in license suspension
czech republic:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Costa rica | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Priority: Entering | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. |
| Priority: Inside | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly. |
| Signaling: Entering | Signal if turning immediately upon entry | Signal if turning immediately upon entry. |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal right when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit. |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for first exit or straight | Use for first exit or straight. |
| Lane Usage: Left | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe. |
Priority: Entering
costa rica:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
czech republic:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
costa rica:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
czech republic:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
costa rica:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
czech republic:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry.
Signaling: Exiting
costa rica:
Signal right when preparing to exit
czech republic:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
costa rica:
Use for first exit or straight
czech republic:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
costa rica:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
czech republic:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.
Emergency Services
| Costa rica | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 911 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 911 or direct number depending on location | 158 |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Contact your insurance provider or local services like INS | 1230—UAMK; additional providers can be used depending on insurance. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Mandatory. |
Contact: General Emergency
costa rica:
911
czech republic:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
costa rica:
911 or direct number depending on location
czech republic:
158
Contact: Roadside Assistance
costa rica:
Contact your insurance provider or local services like INS
czech republic:
1230—UAMK; additional providers can be used depending on insurance.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
costa rica:
Mandatory
czech republic:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
costa rica:
Recommended
czech republic:
Mandatory.
Penalties And Fines
| Costa rica | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; can range from 22,000 CRC and above | Varies; typically €50 to €600 depending on severity. |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible imprisonment | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines applicable for non-compliance | €50 or more. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines applicable for use without hands-free | €50 or more. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines applicable for non-compliance | €100 or higher, points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Common; police may issue fines on the spot | Common, cash preferred. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 30 days to pay | Varies; typically 15-30 days to pay. |
| Foreign Drivers: Fines | Same as residents; must be paid | Same as residents; must be paid. |
| Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment | Possible if fines are not paid | Possible if fines are not paid. |
Common Fines: Speeding
costa rica:
Varies; can range from 22,000 CRC and above
czech republic:
Varies; typically €50 to €600 depending on severity.
Common Fines: Alcohol
costa rica:
Varies; substantial fines, possible imprisonment
czech republic:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
costa rica:
Fines applicable for non-compliance
czech republic:
€50 or more.
Common Fines: Phone Use
costa rica:
Fines applicable for use without hands-free
czech republic:
€50 or more.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
costa rica:
Fines applicable for non-compliance
czech republic:
€100 or higher, points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
costa rica:
Common; police may issue fines on the spot
czech republic:
Common, cash preferred.
Payment: Deadline
costa rica:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
czech republic:
Varies; typically 15-30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
costa rica:
Same as residents; must be paid
czech republic:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
costa rica:
Possible if fines are not paid
czech republic:
Possible if fines are not paid.