Roadsenses Logotype

Driving in Costa Rica vs. Netherlands: Key Differences

Costa Rica and the Netherlands boast unique road regulations that significantly impact motoring experiences. From lane markings and speed limits to the presence of bus and cycle lanes, these nations differ remarkably in their approach to vehicular conduct. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for ensuring a secure journey while traveling abroad.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
costa rica:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
netherlands:
Not commonly used in the Netherlands, replaced by solid white lines on the road edges.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
costa rica:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
netherlands:
Not typically used; centerlines are usually white.
Bus Lanes: Presence
costa rica:
No
netherlands:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
costa rica:
Buses typically use regular traffic lanes.
netherlands:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
costa rica:
N/A
netherlands:
Labeled 'BUS', 'LIJNBUS' or 'TAXI'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
costa rica:
Limited
netherlands:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
costa rica:
Shared roads marked or planned for cyclist use.
netherlands:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
costa rica:
N/A
netherlands:
Bicycle symbols and often distinct red coloring.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
costa rica:
No
netherlands:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
costa rica:
Speed limits are generally static.
netherlands:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
costa rica:
25-40 km/h
netherlands:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
costa rica:
25 km/h
netherlands:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
costa rica:
60-80 km/h
netherlands:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
costa rica:
60-80 km/h
netherlands:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
costa rica:
60-80 km/h
netherlands:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
costa rica:
80-100 km/h
netherlands:
100-130 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
costa rica:
80 km/h
netherlands:
80-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
costa rica:
80 km/h
netherlands:
80-100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
costa rica:
No
netherlands:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
costa rica:
Speed limits are generally static.
netherlands:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
costa rica:
Limited use
netherlands:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
costa rica:
Common; fines may be issued by police roadside
netherlands:
Yes, but fines are often mailed after citation

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
costa rica:
Not used in Costa Rica
netherlands:
Not used in Netherlands
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
costa rica:
Excessive use discouraged; can be subject to fines
netherlands:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Traffic Signs: Language
costa rica:
Spanish; symbols are standard
netherlands:
Dutch; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
costa rica:
Triangle-shaped with red border
netherlands:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
costa rica:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
netherlands:
Not allowed unless a green arrow is present
U- Turns Allowed
costa rica:
Prohibited unless indicated otherwise
netherlands:
Usually prohibited unless explicitly allowed by signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
costa rica:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
netherlands:
Accepted; International Driving Permit not necessary
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
costa rica:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
netherlands:
Accepted for up to 185 days if accompanied by an International Driving Permit
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
costa rica:
Annual inspection required; proof required
netherlands:
Periodic technical inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
costa rica:
Displayed on the windshield
netherlands:
No sticker used; information in vehicle registration
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
costa rica:
Not mandatory
netherlands:
Recommended

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
costa rica:
Frequent use is common to signal intentions
netherlands:
Less frequent use compared to some countries

Alcohol

Limits: Professional Drivers
costa rica:
0.00%
netherlands:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
costa rica:
0.00%
netherlands:
0.02%
Enforcement: Random Checks
costa rica:
Common; checkpoints are used throughout
netherlands:
Common; checkpoints used
Enforcement: Fines
costa rica:
Can be substantial; varies by offense severity
netherlands:
Can be substantial, and may lead to license suspension

Roundabouts

Signaling: Entering
costa rica:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
netherlands:
No signal required unless exiting immediately

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
costa rica:
911
netherlands:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
costa rica:
911 or direct number depending on location
netherlands:
Call 112 for police assistance
Contact: Roadside Assistance
costa rica:
Contact your insurance provider or local services like INS
netherlands:
Check with your insurance provider or ANWB

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
costa rica:
Varies; can range from 22,000 CRC and above
netherlands:
Varies; can be significant, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
costa rica:
Varies; substantial fines, possible imprisonment
netherlands:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
costa rica:
Fines applicable for non-compliance
netherlands:
Fines apply, points on license
Common Fines: Phone Use
costa rica:
Fines applicable for use without hands-free
netherlands:
Fines apply, points on license
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
costa rica:
Fines applicable for non-compliance
netherlands:
Fines apply, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
costa rica:
Common; police may issue fines on the spot
netherlands:
Possible; fines also typically paid online or by mail
Payment: Deadline
costa rica:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
netherlands:
Varies; payment within specified period required