No, Costa Rica’s Ley de Tránsito por Vías Públicas Terrestres (Law 9078) prohibits consuming food or beverages while driving, classifying it as a distraction under Artículo 123. Violators face fines up to ₡150,000 (≈$270 USD) and potential license demerit points under Sistema de Evaluación de Conductores. Municipal traffic authorities (Municipalidades) and MOPT (Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes) enforce this strictly, with 2026 updates expanding surveillance via dashcams in high-risk zones.
Key Regulations for Eating While Driving in Costa Rica
- Primary Prohibition: Artículo 123 of Law 9078 explicitly bans eating, drinking, or manipulating devices while operating a vehicle, equating it to reckless driving.
- Enforcement Mechanisms: Traffic officers (Policía de Tránsito) may issue citations based on observable distraction, supported by dashcam footage in San José, Alajuela, and Heredia.
- Penalties: Fines range from ₡50,000 to ₡150,000 (2024 adjustment), with repeat offenders risking temporary license suspension under Reglamento de Sanciones de Tránsito.