I have been putting off writing this post for a couple of months now hoping that I could write the complete story.  Alas, I can only cover part of it, but the info is important, so I will either add to this post later or post anew.

In the past, any person from another country could easily obtain a Costa Rica drivers license.  The process was basically just to go to the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes MOPT office (closest San Jose office is in Uruca) with your current drivers license. your current passport, and some money. You would stop at one of the doctor’s offices located nearby the MOPT and get a short physical called a Dictamen Médico. You would then walk to the MOPT, go in, get in line and maybe two hours later… you had your license! No test. Nothing.  Easy!

Not any more.

The new rules now restrict anyone seeking a Costa Rica drivers license to be a citizen of Costa Rica or to those foreigners who possess legal residency in Costa Rica. This means you must now show your current cedula de residencia (your national ID card valid for any form of residency i.e pensionado, rentista, permanent, etc) issued when you received your legal residency. No cedula? No license.

If you would like to know more about this topic… read on!

You may not be “in process” to get a license. You must have the actual cedula.

While you can drive in Costa Rica using your current drivers license from your home country, some people are not aware that your license is only valid so long as your visa for Costa Rica is valid.  Once your visa expires, not only are you here illegally, but you have no valid drivers license and cannot drive here nor can you purchase insurance.

I have been waiting on this post to find out about the critical issue regarding renewals of drivers licenses issued to those non-residents before the rules changed…  but sadly, this seems to be up in the air. I have heard of people being permitted to renew, and I have heard stories of renewal requests being denied. It seems MOPT has not issued guidelines, always one of the less pleasant aspects of living here.

Clearly, if you are one of those perpetual tourists living here illegally, the new rules are going to be painful. Your old license from your “home” country may have expired, or even if it has not, it has legally expired here if you have overstayed your visa.

IMPORTANT! For you tourists (and that included those of you living here illegally i.e. perpetual tourists), the new law requires that the Consejo de Seguridad Vial (COSEVI), aka Los Transitos, report unpaid traffic fines of any foreigner driving in Costa Rica to immigration, the folks who control the frontiers/airports of this country.

The immigration service (migracion) is then obligated to deny exit to any foreigner who has any outstanding (unpaid) traffic fines.

I wish that I could post the whole story including the renewal stuff, but as of now, not possible. Once I can verify how the MOPT is going to handle renewals, I will add to this post and/or post something new on this topic.

Until then, those who may need to renew and are not legal in Costa Rica, I might suggest that this would be a good time to seek some form of residency.

I could not go last year… some conflict as I recall, but it is on my calendar for this year.

Give it a shot! I am sure that Diet Chili is available for those of us calorically  challenged.

Or… maybe not.

Should you like more info on Mr Rojas and his importance to Costa Rica, read on…

The system of law enforcement here in Costa Rica often times confuses the newcomer or visitor.  A description of all the various branches would probably make for a great blog article, but today, I’m going to concentrate on how Costa Rica has managed to screw up and lose someone who many would agree, is the absolute premier lawman in the country.  His name is Jorge Rojas, a man this country simply cannot afford to lose.

Mr Rojas was, until today, the  director of the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ). In Cost Rica, the main police force, the Fuerza Publica, does not investigate crime.  Their job is to prevent crime and act as first responder when a crime has been committed.  North Americans, accustomed to having anyone in uniform handle all aspects of a crime often do not understand why the Fuerza Publica does not investigate. They simply respond to crime and provide support to other police agencies.

Crime investigation falls under the realm of the OIJ which might best be compared to the FBI in the USA.

Some history

Mr Rojas started with the OIJ 38 years ago in 1974.  His first assignment was with the Sección de Inspecciones Oculares, what would be better known to many as crime scene investigation (CSI).  Later assignments included  Robbery and Assault, Traffic Section and then Head of Criminal Investigation Department.  In 1997, he was appointed Deputy Director of the OIJ, and was appointed  Director 12 November 2001 with his inauguration taking place in January 2002.

Mr Rojas, perhaps single handedly, brought the OIJ into the 21st century with the latest crime investigation technique such as DNA analysis and testing, toxicology, chemical analysis and x-rays and numerous other investigative tools.  It was Rojas that opened the OIJ to women. The OIJ has grown enormously under his control and in all the right directions.

Sadly, much of his job the past few years has been attempting to just get proper funding and staffing for the OIJ.  I remember back in late 2007 when he told the Supreme Court (they actually control the OIJ and are responsible for their budget… kind of a silly arrangement) that he simply could not do his job without sufficient funding and would retire in early 2008.  At that time, Rojas explained that the OIJ received 58,000 complaints that year with an entire staff of 500 investigators. He stated, “This is not fair either for the complainants nor for the investigators”.  He also expressed great concern over the autonomy  (in this case the budgetary independence) of the OIJ. They caved and some, but not all, of the requested funding was provided.  His concerns regarding budgetary independence were ignored. The policy of increasing the annual budget loosely based on inflation and not on increased crime, increased complaints, or just maintaining or better yet updating the tools of the crime investigation trade continued…  guess those other things were just not important.

What really frosts my Twinkie, is that the government always seems to find plenty of money to hire more traffic police (transitos) with new cars.  Transitos, while occasionally needed for traffic control, seem to spend far more of their time enforcing the new and incredibly stupid (for the most part) driving laws, annoying the bejesus out of the tourists (and on occasion look to “supplement” their incomes from those same tourists, which, interestingly, is then investigated by the OIJ.  Gotta love it), but do little else and seem to not have to work nights!  One certainly never sees them after 5PM unless there is an accident. Meanwhile, those charged with actually  investigating and solving crime in Costa Rica go a-begging  are treated like the bastard brother.  But I digress…. You know its bad when I do run-on sentences!

Mr. Rojas did not retire but stayed on until now. He got 250 new agents. Better than nothing I suppose.

2010 – Two years On

In 2010 the US State Department reported that  235,000 criminal complaints were filed with the OIJ with only 4 percent (9,835 cases) going to trial and with a conviction rate of 61 percent.  That means just 6,000 convictions or just 2.5 percent of the complaints filed.

Today -2012

So here we are… nothing changes.  About a month ago, Mr Rojas again renewed his requests for funding.  This was in the face of a reduction to 4% from the expected  9% increase. Huh?

He stated that with those cuts, even the food for those incarcerated will be affected. The Director stated that this was going to have a profound impact on the OIJs ability to investigate and prosecute criminals. He renewed his concerns about autonomy for the police agency and the dire need for funding in the face of increased and certainly more sophisticated crimes including credit card and Internet fraud.

When he asked lawmakers for more money, he was told, as always, that his budget was part of the budget of  the Supreme Court (Corte Suprema de Justicia) and it was they who allocated the money.  Geez!  He is also concerned about judges who simply will not convict even in the face of overwhelming evidence.  The bad guys are out on the street.  Sounds like the US to me…

So today is his last day of work.

Summary

Perhaps the thing that bothers me the most is that, in my opinion, this sends a message to all Ticos that their government simply does not feel crime is an issue worth the time, effort, and money. Their government should protect them.  Of course there is a shortage of money… perhaps Germany is the only country not so affected by lack of funds, but the safety of the people must be held to the highest level. This is a failure of leadership.  Ticos, being Ticos will probably let this pass, but whoever replaces Don Jorge will face the same issues and will face, as all countries face, growing crime and ever-more sophisticated crime. At some point, violent crime must be addressed. Perhaps the transitos could become more involved in actual enforcement of crime?  Quien sabe? Naw… LOL… never mind.

Don Jorge, I thank you for your years of service.  I have no idea what you will do … lawyer? Consultant?  Regardless, I wish you the very best, and I want you to know that at least one North American living in your country has a deep appreciation for everything you have done.

——

The OIJ – Just some of their responsibilities:

• Crimes against persons, rape, robbery etc
• Frauds
• Economic and Financial Crimes
• Narcotics
• Homicides
• Crimes Against property
• Juvenile Crime
• Speculation in Transit
• Kidnappings
• Sexual Crimes
• Prison housing and Transportation of criminals
• Police Service Immediate Intervention SPII
• Plans and Operations
• Background Screening

If interested, the Museum of Criminology is located in the First Judicial Circuit building (OIJ) in San Jose.

I waited until I gad a chance to read the new rules myself as often what is published very quickly in CR  papers may not be 100% accurate. If you wish to know more about the new Rentista form of residency, read on!

Sadly, the new rules did not address the long term question about perpetual tourism (the incorrect belief that one may legally live in Costa Rica, exiting every 90 days to “renew” their right to live here) as many had hoped.  You can NOT do this (perpetual tourism) legally, regardless of what you may have read elsewhere.  There simply is no such law permitting perpetual tourism. What they DID do is redefine the word “tourist”, and with that, I can see tough times ahead for those scofflaws who think they can live here without residency. More on this later.

Costa Rica has, perhaps, the most liberal residence laws of any country in the world. Their philosophy is simply.  You are welcome to live here forever, but please prove that you have the finances to do so.  In English, this means no mooching! I often think that is just ONE president of the US had simply had the leadership to provide some legal and reasonable routes to legal residency and citizenship, the US would not have the horrible immigration issues that they have today.

But I digress…

Costa Rica  has numerous forms of legal residency, but the two that interest most people from North America, Europe and other foreign countries are pensionista and rentista.  Pensionista is simply.  Show you have a guaranteed and permanent source of funds equal to or exceeding $1,000 US per month.  This can come from US Social Security, state or government pensions, the military, an annuity etc. Got that and you get residency.  Easy and clean. You also cannot be a felon, fleeing or otherwise… a not unreasonable rule.

The other major form of residency is Rentista. Until last Thursday, Rentista required that one deposit $150,000 into a Costa Rica bank and withdraw $2,500 per month and convert that money into Costa Rica Colones.  This permitted you to live in Costa Rica legally for a period of five years. Note:  You did not have to spend that money, you just had to do the conversion. Still,  it proved to the government that you came here with adequate funds to live here for those five years.  Rentista residency included the person filing for rentista status, any spouse, minor age children and even adult children if disabled.  I always thought this odd, as you sort of got a much better deal if you were married with kids.  More bang for the bucks.  Everyone paid the same whether single or if you had ten kids.  Odd. Anyway, at the end of five years, you had to pay another $150.000 to get a five year extension.  As the law allows one to upgrade to Permanent residency after 3 years, most folks simply upgraded residency to avoid this.

So what’s new?

Putting together $150,000 was, for many people, a tough thing to do.  Yeah, it was their money, it would remain their money and would be used to pay their living expenses to be here… still, 150 large is not often easy to come by.

The new rules still require the $2,500 per month but one may now apply for a TWO year rentista residency, paying only $60,000 into a local bank account.  They must still do the monthly withdrawal/transfer of $2,500 per month. After two years, they can pay another $60,000, then near the end of the second two years, they can upgrade to permanent residency which requires no proof of income nor any deposit.  This should make it a bit easier  for families who might want to move here to simply try out Costa Rica before making a permanent move.

What is a Tourist?

The new rules define tourist very narrowly.  A tourist is a: “Foreign person who is authorized to enter the country solely for rest or recreation and which (who) has sufficient means of subsistence for the period of authorized stay.”

This interpretation will allow broad enforcement of those who feel they may come and go at will. As incorrectly reported elsewhere, this should not have any affect on those living here legally but telecommuting or working for companies in foreign countries. This is perfect legal so long as you DO have some form of legal residency.  If you do not, then it not legal and has always been illegal and subjects the person to deportation or refused re-entry. For more info on working here in Costa Rica, read this.

For more info on Costa Rica residency, read this.

In this post  you will find both emails and comments asking me questions are generally not covered in The REAL Costa Rica or this Blog…. or maybe they are answered, but there is some other twist that I think might be of interest.

As some of these were sent more than 5 weeks ago, I do appreciate your patience. I am just bombarded with email.

I do correct grammar where practical and some spelling of the various emails/comments, but I do not change the content other than maybe a swear word.

If this interests you, please read on.

Hello,
Is it true that if a man insults a costa rican woman they may go to jail?

I was interested in costa rica as a retirement home, but after learning this info. NO WAY .. I speak my mind and I am fair,but sometimes we all may hurt someones feelings in a heated debate so to speak.  I in no way would intentionally insult anyone man or woman, but s__t happens.

Would you please clear this matter up so we can visit this lovely country with out gags in my mouth..

This comment was so special, I felt it deserved the light of day… or in this case, the public’s ability to view and enjoy.

First, no.  It is not true that if a man is abusive physically, psychologically, or emotionally to a Costa Rica woman that they may go to jail.

A person may go to jail for ANY abuse, be it physical, psychological, or emotional, of any woman, regardless of her nationality.

You state: “ I in no way would intentionally insult anyone man or woman…”.  I must beg your pardon, but that statement seems contrary to your question.  A true gentlemen maintains control over his interactions with women. Lord knows that this may be in the face of some provocation… but regardless, a gentleman remains a gentleman. I do not know you of course and I cannot be sure of this, but I am guessing that there have been times where you just could not control yourself?

You further state, “Would you please clear this matter up so we can visit this lovely country with out gags in my mouth..’.

An interesting mixture of words.  You state “we”, so is there a woman coming with you or other men?  I am guessing men as I would find it hard to believe that a woman would refuse to come to a country that discouraged abuse of women, be it physical, psychological, or emotional. As you also may have, in fact, been unable to control yourself in the past, perhaps you are currently “unattached”? Anyway… if it is other men coming here… perhaps you, as spokesman for your cadre of potential abusers, may wish to inform them of the rules here!

I guess, as I re-read the words, you could be referring to yourself in the third person… perhaps like the king of some country?  Maybe like “We are not amused!”

Nah…. probably not.

Now if you feel you have the right to do any of the above and indeed would require a gag in your mouth to avoid abusing the females here, I would sort of encourage you not to travel here as you might indeed run afoul of the law.

 I heard that you might be selling The Real Costa Rica web site.  Is that true?  I hope not.

I wrote to you separately to inquire where you heard about this.

I am not actively selling the RCR web site.  I have had inquiries over the past few months from people who think (and who are probably right) that they can monetize the site much better than I do and make a lot of money.  Monetize basically means adding advertising and promotions other than the simple Google ads I have.

Money has never been my reason for creating the RCR web site.  I did it because I felt it was needed, and the few ads I have do provide some income… enough to pay for the bandwidth and maintenance.  However, I will admit that some of the offers have gotten my attention as of late. Do not worry… I would not sell it to anyone or any company unless I was sure they would keep it to the current standard of accuracy… or better.

Have read your blog. It’s great.

We’re buying a house through the transfer of a corporation. I’m in Alaska. House owner is in Montana. House is in Santa Elena. Everything is being handled through the mail. The corporation books arrived in the mail yesterday. The Montana owner has owned the place for over 10 years and the Corporation was organized in 1996.

All we have to do is sign in the books, mail them to MT where the owner signs the same page, and then she mails them back to the lawyer who finishes the paperwork. We can then pick up the books if we want and pay the lawyer his fee which is around $300. My question is – Can it be that simple? That’s all that has to be done for a corporation transfer? Write it up in the books and then sign?

I’m not expecting any legal advice, just wondering if over the years maybe friends of yours have bought places through corporations so you might have heard of this before. I know things are way different in Costa Rica than in the US so wondering if this is the norm there.

I am getting more and more emails such as yours, and they just scare me to death.  You do not provide much info, so I will begin by asking you some questions:

1. You have visited Costa Rica and lived here full time for at least six to nine months… right?  If so, please continue.  If not, STOP NOW and follow the suggested advice you will see repeated many times on my blogs, web sites and on many forums.  Buy NOTHING until you have lived here for at least the time above.  50 to 60% of those who move here do not make it a full year. You should do or buy nothing that cannot be undone in 6 phone calls or less.

2. You have visited the property in person, right?  If NOT, stop now.  Buying anything unseen in Costa Rica is fraught with danger.

3. You have paid for a home inspection by a disinterested third party… right?  If NOT, then STOP NOW and get a full and complete home examination.

4. You spoke personally with at least 4-5 other home owners in the immediate Santa Elena area to confirm how they value their houses.  If NOT,  STOP NOW.  There is no MLS here and your chances of overpaying are enormous.

5. You have your OWN attorney… right?  You are NOT using the seller’s attorney or an attorney recommended by any realtor… RIGHT?  If NOT, stop NOW and retain your own counsel.  Costa Rica law is very different and real estate fraud is common here. You have far fewer protections here. Use the various user groups to get recommendsations and use due diligence to make SURE your attorney is reputable.

6.  I am not an attorney, but the fee you mentioned does NOT seem correct. In fact it seems wrong, but I could be wrong. Your attorney will assist with this.

As I am behind in answering emails, you may well have already acted.  I wish you well.

In your blog (of September 29, 2011) you brought up the subject of how difficult it is for a Costa Rican to obtain a U. S. visa I would like to share my experience. My step daughter Sofia, my wife’s daughter from her previous marriage would like to visit my home in California, mostly to be a tourist and shop. She has no desire to live in the U. S. where her education would not be accepted.

I am attaching the letter I sent to the embassy after her visa was refused, more than the refusal the rudeness and disinterest in her made me ashamed of my country. Costa Rica is a very polite country, people go out of their way not to be offensive.  Sofia was very offended that she was treated in a rude and abrupt manner and that none of the material to support her ties to Costa Rica was reviewed.

Charles L.

I am so sorry for her refusal… and more so if she had to pony up $150.00+ to get refused.  That is a lot of money for most Costa Ricans.

Most folks in the USA, and even those living here, have no clue how our embassies treat those wishing to visit the US.  It is simply awful, but make no mistake, this is not just here in Costa Rica.  The embassy here, and in fact all US embassies, take their lead and direction from Washington DC and the administration that is in control, in this case, the Obama administration.

To be fair, embassies have a daunting task as there is a serious problem with people entering the USA on a tourist visa, and then just never leaving.  Still, the high cost of a refusal seems to me to add insult to injury.  I think they should refund the money if the visa is not awarded.

I am torn on this issue.  It seems horribly wrong to me to tell some parents that they can get a visa but their kids (or other immediate, first degree relatives) must stay here… sort of as hostages to assure that mom and dad return. It is not personal. The US is at war (NO comments on that please!) and is trying to close a door that was opened in the past allowing some low lifes to attack the country. It seems difficult for some Costa Ricans to grasp that concept.

In any case, Costa Rica is not yet a hotbed of terrorist activity. There has to be a better way to treat a wonderful and gentle group of people.

I live in Costa Rica and I need to get a money order. Do you know of anywhere in CR to get a money order? Western Unions and MoneyGram´s don´t offer that service. I ask the bank and they look at me like I have two heads. Do you know?

Sure…Just go to the bank and ask for a bank check or a cashier’s check.

That’s it for now.  If you follow me on Twitter, you will get some goodies that might be of interest.  Facebook too.  Links above.

A Costa Rica citizen applying for a tourist visa to the USA may find the road a bit difficult.  My wife just received hers last Monday.  The US is a tad nutsy over the possibility that they will issue a visa to someone who then never leaves the US after their visa expires. Can you imagine that!?

If he/she has no serious ties here (family does not count) assets, land ownership, long term employment… especially professional… etc, it can be a difficult and expensive process. Being married to a North American is no slam dunk either. It is not uncommon the split a family, offering a visa to a parent but denying one for the kids. Ever wonder why the USA is not always popular?  I guess they have a job to do, but it strikes me as a bit harsh at times.

OK… The process (easiest) is to go online to https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

The applicant will fill out the application form.  It is the form from hell… maybe 20-30 pages long and requires a ton of detailed info regarding the person’s family all prior visits to the US, etc..

CRITICAL:  SAVE YOUR WORK regularly.  There are options to save the form as each page is completed.  DO THIS… and save a copy on your computer.  It would be a stinker to start from scratch.

Some of the questions are pretty funny… like they ask an applicant if he is a terrorist.  Wonder how that works out for real terrorists seeking visas… Probably they answer “no”, huh?

Once complete, the applicant will need a digital photo that meets the state department requirements for size, quality etc. It is then uploaded and the application is complete and submitted.  Then, you will get a very high quality .PDF copy that embeds the applicant’s photo. Print a couple of copies. Need ‘em later.

Then, you will go to Banco Nacional (I did it online) and make an appointment.  You pay for this privilege… $14.00. Once paid, you get a toll free number and a PIN.  You then call for the appointment.  My wife’s was for about ten days after she made the call.

You will now need to pay another $140.00 (I think she used Banco de Costa Rica) and save the receipt.

Day of appointment… arrive 45-60 minutes earlier than they tell you to.   MAKE 1000% sure you have every supporting document.  Take the CR cedula. They leave that off the list.

First… enter main application review line.

Next, submit documents at one of the windows

Next, get fingerprinted at a second window

Next, await in another line for the interview at a third window.  I went with her and turns out that was a good idea. They asked me if my wife would ever want to live there or get citizenship.  Pretty funny… in my wife’s opinion, (and interestingly in MANY Tico’s opinions), the US exists only for shopping

So… If the person passes the interview, they get in the DHL line and arrange delivery of her visa (another 3000 colones).

That’s it.

Total Time: 3.5 hours beginning to end… excluding the enormous time spent on the application.

Luck

TG

Before we begin, the graphic left shows three sets of letters. Most of my readers know all three, but for those who do not, LOL = Laugh Out Loud.  OMG = Oh My God, and WTF= ummmm, well best to ask your kids or grand kids about WTF.

Very handy though!

In Costa Rica, we only have two types of gas, Regular (OMG) and Super (WTF).

Prices in Costa Rica have been sliding up for some time.  Food, of course is one, but that seems to be a world wide issue. I have already ranted about the transit laws and how much a parking ticket can cost, but the thing that really frosts my twinkle is the ridiculous price of gasoline and the seemingly never ending increases.

We just had another increase a few days ago, and now I am paying about $85.00 to fill my tank (Nissan Xtrail, a small SUV).

It has been a while since I actually calculated the price per gallon in dollars. As we use liters here and pay in colones, it takes a couple of calculations to convert to dollars but I have done so here as many of my readers are from North America and are more accustomed to price per gallon.

Below is a little chart showing the prices. If this topic interests you… read on!

I have asked a fair number of Ticos exactly why they think gas prices here are so high and the answers I get are generally the same.  Someone is getting very, very rich.  Taxes are part of it, of course, but where is THAT money going? Nobody seems to know. Certainly not to maintain the roads as they should be maintained.

Nobody seems to even know for sure where the government buys their oil for refining.  Some are not sure if we even refine the oil we buy (I think we do). The most logical place would seem to be from Venezuela where gasoline per gallon is about $.15 per gallon.

Now I am reasonable sure that Costa Rica buys its oil at world spot prices. I doubt they can get a discount from Hugo, but the price of oil on the world market is DOWN… around $93.00 per barrel as I recall, so again, why is it so much more here? And, Why is it going UP? How are other countries doing it?

I guess what just makes me a bit nuts is that it seems the government of Costa Rica simply does not seem to grasp that ridiculously and artificially high gas prices have an enormously negative effect on the economy of the country.

The biggest effect is inflation because the price of anything that is produced using petroleum products (read that as just about everything) or transported to market by any form of vehicle that uses gasoline or diesel, is immediately going to reflect how much those producers and shippers are paying for fuel. That cost is then passed on to the Ticos who can least afford it. It is the worst kind of regressive taxation as even those who own no car are getting the brunt of these costs.

This has a staggering effect on Costa Ricans, many of whom simply cannot keep up with these rising costs.  It affects tourism as the simple costs of renting and driving here are far more than other countries looking to attract tourists.

I am not fond of those foreigners who live here trying to tell the government how to run the show, but I do hope at some point the Ticos become more aggressive in their demands for explanations as to why they must pay so much for so little.

It is harming every Costa Rica.  It is holding back development and investment and is causing much needless human suffering.

I’d especially encourage intelligent comments from Costa Ricans on this topic as frankly, other than bitching at the prices… I just don’t get it.

Arenal is a favorite tourist spot.  It is always erupting and has been for years… though some eruptions are more interesting than others.

During the rainy season (now) Arenal volcano watching can be pretty boring… but if that thing goes off, it’s a good show. Also, it is often clear late at night.  Worth an occasional visit.  It refreshes every ten seconds.

Hint! If you want to get my other updates that do not sometimes make the blog immediately or ever, Follow Me on Twitter.

How often you must go depends on the age of your vehicle. Newer vehicles must go every two years and those who drive older vehicles must go in ever year.  My license plate ends in a six, so June is my month, and I just had it done yesterday.

Cost for a passenger car is just under 10,000 colones or about $20.00 at the current exchange rate.

If this topic interests you (and it should even if you are an old pro because I am including some helpful info, read on!

Making an appointment.

You can, but probably should not, just wander in and try to get seen thinking someone did not show up.  Backups are long if you do not make an appointment.  Feeling lucky?  Give it a try, but the appointment thing is much easier.

Making an appointment is easy.  Here is the process:

• Go here -HINT:  If Spanish is an issue, download and use the Google Chrome browser which will translate these pages instantly.
• One the right side is a list of stations by name of location.  Click the one nearest you.
• The little station icon (picture) will change to orange.  Place your mouse over it and a bubble will pop up with a link that says: “Solicitar cita previa en esta estación” Click that.
• Next you get a chart showing open hours (in yellow).  Looks like the thing you get when choosing airline seats.
• Click the date and time you want remembering the date format is international and the time is military time.
• Enter your license plate number and your cell phone or other number I suppose.
• You then get a confirmation which you should print out.
• Done!

What gets checked?

Here is a list:

Seat Belts : You have one for each seat the belts are working properly and have no cuts or wear.

Steering Wheel : It works correctly. Does not have excessive play.

Wipers : are in good condition, operate and clean the windshield.

Polarized visors (if any): Check that the brushes do not touch.

Windshield : No cracks or ‘bull’s eyes”

Mirror : It’s in good condition and secure.

Doors : Open and close properly.

Speedometer : Working.

Fuel cap : Capped and secure.

Front and rear bumper : They’re in good condition and securely attached.

Reflective : They are 2 red and reflect light at night. This is for certain high capacity passenger vehicles like tourist type vans.

Light over License Plate : Lights up and is not loose.

Brake lights : 2 lateral and 1 central, are red, they work and are in good condition.

Rear turn signals : Red, orange, no more than 4, are working and in good condition.

Directional : They’re white or orange, no more than 4, and are working and in good condition.

High and low beams : No more than 4, white or yellow color with no difference between them.Subject and in good condition. The change of high and low light work.

Halogen (if any): They are white or yellow and should not work with high beams.

Decorative lighting products you may have installed and which are prohibited by law.

Mufflers, smoke and any noise : If gasoline engine accelerates and smokes, will not pass RTV. No abnormal noises or have the air filter or carburetor modified. Muffler required.

Tires : They are smooth, no cuts, bulges and with sufficient tread.

Fenders : Secured and in good condition.

Plates : The numbers are easily read match the title.

Title:  You MUST have the original title and not a copy.

Fluid levels Must be full. Oil, water, brakes, etc.

The Process

You pull in and park then take your original title and reservation info to let them know you are there. They give you a paper which you will give to the inspector.  You then drive around to the main entrance area and get in line.  Yes there ARE lines, but not too bad.  Make sure you are in the line for the type of vehicle you are driving.

An inspector may come out and start testing various things like doors etc.  He may also lift the hood and check the engine compartment.  I have been told but have not verified that the engine may not be overly dirty. He may check fluid levels too. While we were in line, a young woman made maybe 20 trips with a 12oz water bottle because apparently her car was low on water levels.  Washer?  Radiator?  Who knows, but don’t forget those levels.  Clearly she did not want to come back another day.

Basically?  that’s it.

My car is a 2009 model, so my next visit will be in June 2013. The rule is five years old or less years old you go every two years.  Older then five years requires an annual visit.

When to go?

You can tell when you must go here. It is based on the last number of your license plate.

Why should you not forget this?

The ticket for not having a current reteve is HUGE and can result in the confiscation of your vehicle.  Best not to fool around with this.  Get it!

Hint: I am a closet criminal trial watcher, and today is the first day of the Casey Anthony murder trial.  I am blogging in one window while listening and watching opening arguments in another!

Now I realize there will be readers who 1. Care only about Costa Rica goings on and/or 2. Have zero interest in the Anthony trial. I respect that, so for those of you who fall into either of those groups… Ya’ll have a great day! At least you know that with a decent Internet connection, you can keep up with the dramas from up North! Besides, criminal trials in Costa Rice almost never have a jury but are instead heard by a judge or panel of judges.

However… For those who ARE interested in this topic, read on! It’s not long.

OK… the trial is being broadcast live here or here or here.  There is also a live chat rooms also one with >2,000 people.

Now I will say right from the start that I feel truly sorry for Casey Anthony. I feel bad not because I think she is innocent.   I do not know yet how I feel about her guilt or innocence. Frankly, I lived here at the time (2008)  and although it certainly made news here, we were not inundated by the coverage as were those in North America.  The state’s opening arguments certainly did not put her in a favorable light, so it will be interesting to see what says the defense. After OJ, only a fool predicts anything in criminal law cases… especially high profile cases like this one.

In any case, I feel sympathy for her because there does not appear to be even the slightest chance that she will get a fair trial as all those in the chat rooms and the blog-o-sphere have most assuredly convicted her already.  I cannot imagine that those jurors, regardless of how they were screened in jury selection, can possible not be tainted by the pre-trial press.

Three month trial. I doubt I’ll waste more of my readers time on this.

Thanks for your patience with my “hobby”.