San José Driving Restriction 2026: Which Plates Can't Drive Today?
Last updated: October 2026
Check which weekday your vehicle cannot drive in downtown San José based on the last digit of your license plate. Hours, zone, exemptions and fine, updated.
Enter the full plate (ABC123) or just the last number.
Weekly restriction schedule
The restriction applies Monday through Friday based on the last digit of the plate. There is no restriction on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays.
| Day | Plates that cannot drive |
|---|---|
| Monday | Ending in 1 and 2 |
| Tuesday | Ending in 3 and 4 |
| Wednesday | Ending in 5 and 6 |
| Thursday | Ending in 7 and 8 |
| Friday | Ending in 9 and 0 |
| Saturday | No restriction |
| Sunday | No restriction |
What hours does it apply?
Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Outside those hours, on weekends and on public holidays any plate can drive.
Where does it apply?
Only in downtown San José, inside the Circunvalación ring road (Route 39), including stretches of Route 108 in La Uruca and Route 100. It covers the city center, La Sabana, Rohrmoser, San Pedro, Los Yoses, Hatillo, Calle Blancos and Zapote. Outside the ring road, in Heredia, Alajuela or Cartago, there is no plate restriction.
What is the fine?
Ignoring the driving restriction is a Traffic Law infraction. The fine is around ₡61,000 and is updated every year; it can also add points to your license. Traffic police run checkpoints at the entrances to the ring road.
When is it suspended?
MOPT suspends the restriction during Holy Week, mid-year school holidays, the year-end season and public holidays. These dates change every year and are announced on MOPT's official channels.
Who is exempt?
MOPT regulations exempt, among others:
- Motorcycles.
- Emergency, police and official vehicles.
- Public transport: buses and taxis.
- Student, worker and special transport services.
- Vehicles transporting people with disabilities.
- Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles (Law 9518).
The full list and exemption procedures are managed by MOPT. If in doubt, check the official source before driving.
Frequently asked questions
- Which plates cannot drive today in San José?
- It depends on the day: Monday 1 and 2, Tuesday 3 and 4, Wednesday 5 and 6, Thursday 7 and 8, Friday 9 and 0. Use the tool above to see your plate's status today.
- What time does the restriction start and end?
- It runs from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Before 6 a.m. and after 7 p.m. any plate can drive.
- Does the restriction apply in Heredia, Alajuela or Cartago?
- No. The plate restriction only applies inside the Circunvalación ring road in San José. In the rest of the country you can drive normally.
- Are motorcycles restricted?
- No. Motorcycles are exempt from the plate restriction in San José.
- Are electric cars restricted?
- No. Law 9518 on electric transport incentives exempts fully electric vehicles from the driving restriction.
- Is there a restriction on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays?
- No. The driving restriction only applies Monday through Friday. There is no restriction on weekends or public holidays.
- What if my plate ends in a letter?
- The restriction is defined by the last number on the plate. If your plate ends in a letter, use the last numeric digit that appears.
- How much is the fine for ignoring the restriction?
- It is a Traffic Law infraction with a fine of around ₡61,000, an amount adjusted yearly. You can check the current value on the COSEVI website.
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