Drunk driving laws

[kimball]

With the new and very strict DUI laws, does anyone think that it leaves the door open for corrupt police to leverage the harsh punishments against foreigners and even natives to get bigger bribes ?

[Andrew]

It’s a possibility kimball but along with the stricter drunk driving laws – which have definitely made an impact here – there are also far harsher penalties for police officers who accept bribes….

We can hope that this will make a difference.

Scott Oliver – Founder
WeLoveCostaRica.com

[sprite]

Jeez, I;m just happy to see an effort, even if it is only legislative. But I do wonder what brought on this new focus. Is there some disturbing new data about drunk driving in Costa Rica?

[DavidCMurray]

Nope, it’s the same old data, sprite, and it’s awful. Costa Rica has a very high rate of automobile accidents and fatalities.

I’m highly skeptical about the effect of this new law. The fine for drunk driving is so draconian that it’s my guess that Transito officers won’t enforce it. They’ll just warn the driver and send him home. Getting pinched for one’s first drunk driving offense will cost the typical driver more than his family lives on for a month. What cop will be able to deny a family its livelihood for that long?

[happygirl]

I can tell you that our Tico friends are deathly scared to have one drink when socializing unless they have a designated driver, so hopefully this new law will have some impact. Of course, some people will always drive under the influence no matter what the law.

[Author]

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