License needed for ATV in Costa Rica?

[playayoga]

I have heard a few different answers to this question, and I am looking for the conclusive answer.

Do we need a special license to drive an ATV on Non-Highway roads?

If so, or not, is there a size limit to the engine?

I was told by some owners, who “checked it out” that with a standard non-motorcycle license that one can drive an ATV on roads as long as they are not “too big”

Again, looking for a conclusive answer if anyone has one.

I have a 420 cc Honda.

2nd part:

If we do need a motorcycle license, can I get one in the States ( I’m a U.S. citizen ) and make the change here without needing to take the exam, same as a “regular” license?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[costaricafinca]

You are legally required…[i]supposed[/i]… to have a motorcycle license, especially if you use the main roads.

Your ATV should also have the marchamo, RITEVE, and license plates if used ‘on the road’. And if it has only one seat (1) only one person should be on it… even if they can fit on the back 😉

The most common license type is the CLASS B license which is divided into the following subclasses:

“B1 Light Vehicles up top 4,000 Kgs. This license also allows you to operate motorcycle and quad/cycles so long as they are not driven on primary roads and the motorcycle is less than 125 cc and the quad/cycle is less than 500 cc”
Taken from [url=http://www.costaricalaw.com/Driving-in-Costa-Rica/getting-a-drivers-license.html]Costaricalaw[/url]

If you stick to gravel back roads or rural beach roads you may be OK… but remember that we as [i]’extranjeros'[/i] may be treated differently if involved in an accident.

When we went out with our group of ATV enthusiasts, we were the only one who had a separate license and insurance 😛 although part of the [i]machamo[/i] goes to the [i]cruz rojo[/i].

You can get the required license here, without retaking the test, if you already have one, but remember you must be in the possession of your [i]cedula[/i] but if your ATV is less than 500cc you [i]should[/i] be OK.

[playayoga]

Thanks for that response.
I do have it all legal, with reteve and marchamo and license plate.
I do have my cedula and a cr drivers license, and the atv is under 500 cc.
With all that being said, do you know how I determine which roads I can and cannot drive on?
Thanks very much

[costaricafinca]

The ones you feel safe on 🙄
I would suggest you don’t travel long distances on the highway or through San Jose.
We had a 2-seater Bombardier, and occasionally drove on the highway near Liberia, but after a bad accident, I gave it up. No machines right now.

[playayoga]

Ok, thanks for that too. I am also hoping to find out if anyone knows what the laws say about this. Specifically which types of roads you need, or do not need, a specific type of license for driving an ATV that is legal and under 500 cc’s.
Thanks very much.

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