The Ministry of Public Works and Transport announced on Apr. 27 that the vehicle restriction based on license plate numbers will not be enforced in San José on Friday, May 1 and Friday, May 8. The suspension is due to the International Workers’ Day holiday and a public sector holiday for the Transfer of Powers.
The measure matters because it affects daily traffic patterns in the capital city. On these dates, both schools and public institutions will be closed, leading to reduced vehicle flow in central San José.
Martín Sánchez Agüero, director of the Traffic Police, said that with fewer vehicles expected in the city center during these holidays, regular weekday restrictions are unnecessary. “This allows the Traffic Police to focus on regulating around marches held on May 1 and near the Legislative Assembly for changes in deputies and legislative leadership,” Sánchez Agüero said.
Sánchez also explained that for May 8, officers will manage traffic near Estadio Nacional where events related to Costa Rica’s change of government will take place. He added that since both dates fall on Fridays with extended weekends, some people may travel outside Valle Central for tourism purposes. “Part of our personnel must also be redirected during those weekends to assist with increased recreational travel,” he said.
The vehicle restriction will resume as usual starting Monday, May 4 and Monday, May 11 for cars with plates ending in 1 or 2 within Circunvalación perimeter streets except for the new section of Circunvalación Norte.
