No, 50% window tint is not universally legal in Costa Rica. The Reglamento de Tránsito (Decreto Ejecutivo 35821-MOPT) mandates front-side windows transmit ≥70% light, effectively banning 50% tint. Rear windows may allow darker tints but require compliance with Dirección General de Transporte y Seguridad Vial (DGTT) standards. Enforcement has tightened since 2023 inspections in San José and Alajuela.
Key Regulations for 50% Window Tint in Costa Rica
- Front-side windows: Must allow ≥70% light transmission (≤30% tint). 50% tint violates this threshold, risking fines up to ₡250,000 (≈$450).
- Rear windows: Permitted up to 30% tint if the vehicle has side mirrors, but DGTT inspectors may reject tints exceeding 50% during roadside checks.
- Medical exemptions: Require certification from Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) and prior DGTT approval; 50% tint remains prohibited without this documentation.
Post-2026, the DGTT plans stricter digital verification systems for tint compliance, integrating with Sistema de Identificación Vehicular (SIV) databases. Vehicles with non-compliant tints may face mandatory removal or registration suspension.