Annual Vehicle Safety Inspections
Costa Rica
Many of my Real Estate clients own a car, pickup or golf cart. Here around Guanacaste having a means of transportation does add a lot of options to the Pura Vida Lifestyle. A few things may be different from your home state or province, including vehicle safety requirements. As an example, in Ontario Canada where I grew up, a safety check is performed when a vehicle is bought and sold, other than commercial vehicles being inspected annually. The inspection is performed as a drive through utilizing a variety of equipment.
Theo’s Note; Costa Rica requires annual inspections of all vehicles using public roads, with the exception of electric bicycles. Although a handful of resorts do not require licensing or annual inspections, most developments do require annual inspections, marchamo (insurance/annual usage fee) & license plates to be up to date for all vehicles entering the property. Various information pertaining to driving and vehicles in Costa Rica are available in my blog. Or in the “Insights and Tips section of my Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@LetsBuyCostaRica
In Costa Rica, DEKRA is the company currently responsible for conducting vehicle safety inspections as of 2022. DEKRA took over from Riteve, which previously handled the inspections, after winning the tender to manage the process for vehicle inspections across the country.
Here are the key details about DEKRA safety inspections in Costa Rica:
1. Frequency of Inspections
- Similar to the Riteve system, vehicles are required to undergo an annual inspection.
- New vehicles have a grace period of the first couple years before they need to undergo the inspection.
- Taxis, buses and heavy vehicles might have more frequent inspections, typically every six months.
- Required Inspections dates correspond with the last digit of the vehicle’s placa (license plate). And can be performed at anytime during that month or one month prior to.
- Vehicles are past the required inspection period can still be inspected with on appointment.
- Inspections can be performed at any of the Dekra inspection facilities throughout Costa Rica https://www.dekra.cr/en/inicio/
2. Inspection Process
- Drivers need to schedule an appointment at one of DEKRA’s authorized inspection stations. Appointments can be made online. The Dekra website is available in Spanish or English.
- Inspection appointment link here; https://book.dekra.io/book/customer-retail/CR
- On the day of inspection, you must bring the necessary documents: vehicle registration, proof of insurance (Marchamo), your identification and drivers’ license.
- The vehicle is examined using DEKRA’s equipment to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
- If the vehicle passes, a sticker is placed (normally) on the top right corner of windshield, certifying that the vehicle is roadworthy for the following year.
- If the vehicle fails, the owner is given a set period to correct the issues and return for a re-inspection. A document is provided detailing items needing repairs.
3. Inspection Points
DEKRA inspections cover the same key safety and environmental points that were checked under the Riteve system: 
- Braking System: Ensures the brakes function correctly, with adequate stopping power.
- Steering System: Checks for any issues with the steering system, including excessive play or difficulty turning.
- Suspension: Verifies the condition of shock absorbers, struts and other suspension components.
- Tires: Inspecting tire tread depth, condition, and pressure.
- Lights: All external lights, including headlights, indicators, brake lights, and reverse lights, must be functional and clear
- Exhaust System and Emissions: The vehicle’s emissions are tested to ensure they comply with environmental standards, and the exhaust system is inspected for leaks.
- Seats and Seatbelts: All seatbelts in the vehicle must be functioning and in good condition. Seats are checked to ensure they are tightly secured to the vehicle.
- Windshield and Mirrors: The condition of the windshield, rearview mirrors, and wipers is checked.
- Horn: Must be operational.
- Battery and Electrical Systems: Ensures that all electrical systems, including the battery, are functioning as intended.
- Engine: Leaks etc.
4. Cost
- The cost of a DEKRA inspection varies depending on the type of vehicle. For private vehicles, it generally ranges between $20 and $25, with commercial or heavier vehicles having higher fees.
- Re-inspection requires a new appointment. The re-inspection cost is approximately $6
5. Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Vehicles that do not undergo the inspection within the required period are subject to fines and removal of license plates.
- If a vehicle is found on the road without a valid inspection sticker, it may be stopped by traffic police, and the driver may face penalties.
6. Successful Inspection 
- Upon obtaining a successful vehicle inspection, two documents are provided. A document containing the vehicles information, milage and specific date of inspection. This document will also provide issues needing attention that did not cause the vehicle to fail. And a valid inspection sticker (Normally placed on the windshield) color coded to each year for easy identification by police.
- The inspection sticker includes the date(month and year) pertaining to the next required inspection.
Closing Thoughts:
DEKRA's vehicle safety inspections follow high standards that ensure vehicles on Costa Rica's roads meet both safety and environmental requirements. The vehicle can be driven through a safety inspections by anyone with a current drivers’ license. As always, foreigners taking their own vehicle should remember to carry their passport in case they are asked. Many owners have their mechanic or property manager perform this task on their behalf.
One last note: I live and sell properties around The Gulf of Papagayo. This area including Liberia has grown in leaps and bounds, continuing to do so for the future. Our closest Dekra inspection facility is Liberia, followed by Nicoya and Canas. Liberia is under sized offering only one lane for the drive through inspection. I suggest booking your appointment early around 6 am to avoid long waiting times.
Theo Veenstra is a full time Realtor living in Costa Rica since 2024. Theo and Lets Buy Costa Rica are happy to provide information and referrals to help when we can.