Roadsenses Logotype

Driving in Costa Rica vs. Sri Lanka: Key Differences

Costa Rica and Sri Lanka present unique challenges for travelers behind the wheel. While Costa Rica drives on the right, Sri Lanka follows left-side navigation. Speed limits and overtaking rules vary significantly, impacting road etiquette and safety. Understanding these variations is crucial for ensuring secure journeys in these diverse nations.

Lanes

Driving Side
costa rica:
Right
sri lanka:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
costa rica:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sri lanka:
Marks the right edge on divided roads.
Overtaking: On Left
costa rica:
Yes
sri lanka:
No
Overtaking: On Right
costa rica:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
sri lanka:
Allowed when safe.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
costa rica:
Use rightmost lane.
sri lanka:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
costa rica:
No
sri lanka:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
costa rica:
Buses typically use regular traffic lanes.
sri lanka:
Reserved for buses.
Bus Lanes: Markings
costa rica:
N/A
sri lanka:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
costa rica:
Limited
sri lanka:
No
Cycle Lanes: Usage
costa rica:
Shared roads marked or planned for cyclist use.
sri lanka:
Bicycles often share lanes with other vehicles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
costa rica:
N/A
sri lanka:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
costa rica:
N/A
sri lanka:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
costa rica:
Speed limits are generally static.
sri lanka:
Speed limits remain constant unless otherwise posted.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
costa rica:
25-40 km/h
sri lanka:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
costa rica:
25 km/h
sri lanka:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
costa rica:
60-80 km/h
sri lanka:
70 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
costa rica:
60-80 km/h
sri lanka:
60 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
costa rica:
60-80 km/h
sri lanka:
60 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
costa rica:
80-100 km/h
sri lanka:
100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
costa rica:
Speed limits are generally static.
sri lanka:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
costa rica:
Limited use
sri lanka:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
costa rica:
Common; fines may be issued by police roadside
sri lanka:
Yes; fines are applied at the time of citation

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
costa rica:
Not used in Costa Rica
sri lanka:
Not used in Sri Lanka
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
costa rica:
Excessive use discouraged; can be subject to fines
sri lanka:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Hand Signals: Common Usage
costa rica:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sri lanka:
Used more frequently in rural areas
Traffic Signs: Language
costa rica:
Spanish; symbols are standard
sri lanka:
Sinhala, Tamil, and sometimes English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
costa rica:
Triangle-shaped with red border
sri lanka:
Triangular shape with a red border and a white background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
costa rica:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
sri lanka:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
costa rica:
Prohibited unless indicated otherwise
sri lanka:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
costa rica:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sri lanka:
International Driving Permit required
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
costa rica:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sri lanka:
International Driving Permit required
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
costa rica:
Annual inspection required; proof required
sri lanka:
Yes, proof required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
costa rica:
Displayed on the windshield
sri lanka:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
costa rica:
Mandatory
sri lanka:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
costa rica:
Frequent use is common to signal intentions
sri lanka:
Frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
costa rica:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sri lanka:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
costa rica:
0.05%
sri lanka:
0.06%
Limits: Professional Drivers
costa rica:
0.00%
sri lanka:
0.04%
Limits: Underage Drivers
costa rica:
0.00%
sri lanka:
0.00% - zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
costa rica:
Common; checkpoints are used throughout
sri lanka:
Common; checkpoints used regularly
Enforcement: Fines
costa rica:
Can be substantial; varies by offense severity
sri lanka:
Can be substantial

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
costa rica:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sri lanka:
Signal left when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
costa rica:
911
sri lanka:
119
Contact: Traffic Police
costa rica:
911 or direct number depending on location
sri lanka:
119 or contact local police
Contact: Roadside Assistance
costa rica:
Contact your insurance provider or local services like INS
sri lanka:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
costa rica:
Mandatory
sri lanka:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
costa rica:
Recommended
sri lanka:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
costa rica:
Varies; can range from 22,000 CRC and above
sri lanka:
Varies; expect substantial fines
Common Fines: Alcohol
costa rica:
Varies; substantial fines, possible imprisonment
sri lanka:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
costa rica:
Fines applicable for non-compliance
sri lanka:
Fines applied; amount may vary
Common Fines: Phone Use
costa rica:
Fines applicable for use without hands-free
sri lanka:
Fines applied; amount may vary
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
costa rica:
Fines applicable for non-compliance
sri lanka:
Fines applied; amount may vary
Payment: On The Spot
costa rica:
Common; police may issue fines on the spot
sri lanka:
Possible; fines may be paid on the spot