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Driving in Costa Rica vs. Dominican Republic: Key Differences

When navigating the roads of Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, understanding their unique regulations can significantly enhance your travel experience. Key distinctions include bus lane usage, speed limits, and horn etiquette. Familiarizing yourself with these driving nuances ensures safer journeys and a smoother adventure in these vibrant countries.

Lanes

Bus Lanes: Presence
costa rica:
No
dominican republic:
Yes, mostly in the capital Santo Domingo
Bus Lanes: Usage
costa rica:
Buses typically use regular traffic lanes.
dominican republic:
Reserved for buses; some taxis may also use them.
Bus Lanes: Markings
costa rica:
N/A
dominican republic:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
costa rica:
Shared roads marked or planned for cyclist use.
dominican republic:
Shared with motorized two-wheelers in some areas.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
costa rica:
N/A
dominican republic:
Often not marked.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
costa rica:
N/A
dominican republic:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
costa rica:
Speed limits are generally static.
dominican republic:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
costa rica:
25-40 km/h
dominican republic:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
costa rica:
60-80 km/h
dominican republic:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
costa rica:
60-80 km/h
dominican republic:
70 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
costa rica:
60-80 km/h
dominican republic:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
costa rica:
80-100 km/h
dominican republic:
100 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
costa rica:
80 km/h
dominican republic:
90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
costa rica:
Speed limits are generally static.
dominican republic:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
costa rica:
Limited use
dominican republic:
No; speed checks are done by police radar
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
costa rica:
Common; fines may be issued by police roadside
dominican republic:
Possible for traffic infractions

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
costa rica:
Not used in Costa Rica
dominican republic:
Not used in Dominican Republic
Horn Usage: Allowed
costa rica:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
dominican republic:
Commonly used in many situations
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
costa rica:
Excessive use discouraged; can be subject to fines
dominican republic:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Traffic Signs: Warning
costa rica:
Triangle-shaped with red border
dominican republic:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
costa rica:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
dominican republic:
Not generally allowed unless indicated by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
costa rica:
Prohibited unless indicated otherwise
dominican republic:
Prohibited on major roads; check for signs

Documentation

Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
costa rica:
Annual inspection required; proof required
dominican republic:
Yes, annual inspection required
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
costa rica:
Mandatory
dominican republic:
Required
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
costa rica:
Not mandatory
dominican republic:
Recommended

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Limited
costa rica:
Only in emergency situations
dominican republic:
Commonly used more frequently than in some countries
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
costa rica:
Frequent use is common to signal intentions
dominican republic:
Frequent use in traffic

Alcohol

Limits: Underage Drivers
costa rica:
0.00%
dominican republic:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
costa rica:
Common; checkpoints are used throughout
dominican republic:
Less common; some checkpoints used in urban areas
Enforcement: Fines
costa rica:
Can be substantial; varies by offense severity
dominican republic:
Substantial; can lead to license suspension
Test Refusal
costa rica:
Can result in license suspension
dominican republic:
Results in arrest and license suspension

Emergency Services

Contact: Traffic Police
costa rica:
911 or direct number depending on location
dominican republic:
911 or designated local numbers
Contact: Roadside Assistance
costa rica:
Contact your insurance provider or local services like INS
dominican republic:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
costa rica:
Mandatory
dominican republic:
Required and recommended as a safety measure
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
costa rica:
Recommended
dominican republic:
Recommended for safety

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
costa rica:
Varies; can range from 22,000 CRC and above
dominican republic:
Varies; fines can be steep depending on the violation
Common Fines: Alcohol
costa rica:
Varies; substantial fines, possible imprisonment
dominican republic:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
costa rica:
Fines applicable for non-compliance
dominican republic:
Mandatory use; fines for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
costa rica:
Fines applicable for use without hands-free
dominican republic:
Fines for using a phone while driving without hands-free devices
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
costa rica:
Fines applicable for non-compliance
dominican republic:
Fines for non-compliance with signals
Payment: On The Spot
costa rica:
Common; police may issue fines on the spot
dominican republic:
Possible for common violations
Payment: Deadline
costa rica:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
dominican republic:
Varies; often within 15-30 days