What is RITEVE?

Have you ever noticed those stickers with a date on them in the front windshield of cars in Costa Rica and wondered what they were ? Well, they are to identify that you have successfully passed your annual Riteve inspection.

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Riteve is an annual inspection for vehicles that circulate on the roads of Costa Rica. The Riteve inspection helps to verify that vehicles comply with safety standards set forth by the auto manufacturer and with Costa Rican traffic regulations. For more details in Spanish, check out their website at: http://rtv.co.cr

What will be inspected?

Below is a list of items that are inspected by Riteve and must be in working condition to pass and receive your new sticker.

  • Seat Belts
  • Horn
  • Windshield washers
  • Windshield glass in good condition, without cracks or chips
  • Doors working properly
  • Windows must open and close
  • Speedometer
  • Gas cap
  • Front and rear bumpers properly attached
  • All lights working (including license plate light, brake lights, head lights (high and low), back up lights, and turn signals)
  • Brakes properly functioning
  • Shocks
  • Muffler and emissions that meet Costa Rica’s high standards
  • Tires in good condition and with sufficient treads
  • License plate numbers clearly visible
  • Proper levels of oil and other fluids

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When do I get my car inspected?

If your car is less than five years old, inspections are only once every two years. If your car is older than five years, then inspections are once per year. The date (month) that your vehicle must be inspected is determined by the last number of your license plate. You will have the entire month to complete the inspection.

For example, if your license plate ends with number one, your inspection is in January and if your license plate ends with number two, your inspection is in February.

  • January, plates ending with number 1.
  • February, plates ending with number 2.
  • March, plates ending with number 3.
  • April, plates ending with number 4.
  • May, plates ending with number 5.
  • June, plates ending with number 6.
  • July, plates ending with number 7.
  • August, plates ending with number 8.
  • September, plates ending with number 9.
  • October, plates ending with number 0.

How do I do it?

The process of having your car inspected is simple. You can make an appointment directly on the : Riteve website at or call them at 905 788 0000. Once you have chosen a location for the inspection, and time slot, your appointment will be confirmed via a text message.

The day of inspection, arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time to check in for your appointment. You will be asked to present the car title, your driver’s license, and the previous year’s inspection certificate. You will then pay the fee of 9,970 colones, and proceed to one of the inspection bays to start the inspection process.

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Where do I go to have my car inspected?

There are 13 Riteve inspection stations throughout Costa Rica including:

  • San Jose (Alajuelita)
  • Heredia (Lagunilla and San Miguel)
  • Cartago
  • Puntarenas
  • San Carlos
  • San Isidro
  • Canas
  • Nicoya
  • Limon
  • Liberia
  • Alajuela
  • Guapiles

After your car has been inspected you will either pass or fail. If you pass, a new sticker will be issued and will need to be displayed in your front windshield. If you fail, you will be advised of the deficiencies and be given 30 days to have them corrected and return for a re-inspection. The first re-inspection cost 50% less than the original inspection.

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What is Riteve (Revision Tecnica de Vehículos en Costa Rica) and how does the process work?

Article/Property ID Number 5282

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