No, radar detectors are illegal in Costa Rica under Ley de Tránsito por Vías Públicas Terrestres (Law No. 9078), enforced by the Dirección General de Tránsito (DGT). The DGT prohibits devices that detect speed enforcement systems, classifying them as electronic interference tools. Violations may incur fines up to ₡100,000 ($180 USD) and confiscation, with no exceptions for personal use.
Key Regulations for Radar Detectors in Costa Rica
- Prohibition under Article 204: The law explicitly bans possession or use of radar detectors, citing public safety risks and interference with traffic enforcement.
- Confiscation and Penalties: The DGT may seize devices during traffic stops, with fines escalating for repeat offenses or commercial use.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: Recent amendments to the Reglamento de Tránsito (Decreto Ejecutivo No. 44258-MP) tighten enforcement, mandating police training to identify detector signals via specialized equipment.
Local courts have upheld these restrictions, citing precedents where defendants argued detectors were for “awareness” rather than evasion. The DGT’s 2025 operational guidelines further emphasize zero-tolerance policies, particularly on high-speed corridors like Ruta 32 and Ruta 27. Tourists and residents alike face identical penalties.