With the dry season ongoing in most parts of the country, more people are heading out at night for activities such as walking, exercising, visiting beaches, or going to the movies. The start of the school year, including night classes at secondary schools, is expected to further increase nighttime movement. The Traffic Police have issued reminders about safety practices that should be followed by all road users during hours of darkness.
The Traffic Police emphasized that there are specific behaviors that must be observed to reduce risks when traveling at night, whether as pedestrians, drivers, cyclists, or passengers.
One key point relates to traffic lights: according to the country’s Transit Law, between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., traffic lights function as stop signs. Drivers approaching a red light during these hours can proceed after checking that no vehicles or pedestrians are crossing. It is not necessary to wait for a green light before continuing.
Another important reminder concerns vehicle lighting requirements. Martín Sánchez Agüero, Deputy Director of the Traffic Police, stated: “Some drivers sometimes forget to turn them on; but the most common case is seeing vehicles at 5:18, 5:34, or 5:42 in the morning with their lights off, even though it is still dark, as is currently happening in the Central Valley. This is a mistake because turning them on or not is not optional; it is mandatory until 6 in the morning.”
Sánchez added: “Even if it seems clear and the driver believes they do not need headlights, it remains an obligation to keep them on until 6 a.m.; personal judgment about visibility does not override this rule. Moreover,” he said, “lights are not only for seeing but also for being seen.” This requirement also applies to bicycles.
Drivers with vision problems that make nighttime driving difficult are urged not to drive after dark. Sánchez said vanity should not take precedence over personal and public safety and called for common sense and responsibility.
Regarding public transportation at night, buses must keep their internal lights on. Passengers have the right to request this from drivers.
Pedestrians and cyclists are advised to make themselves visible by wearing light-colored clothing or reflective gear such as vests or bands—especially relevant during this dry period when outdoor activity increases.
