Quote:
Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo
Is there limitations on what you can drive on the streets over there in Costa Rica or is it a case of if it moves you can drive it?
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Side by side buggys have the same driving rights as any other vehicle here...
Providing they have current “Machamo” (registration) and a valid “Riteve” sticker (roadworthy)
Annual Riteve is probably more “sophisticated” than anything I’ve seen elsewhere too!
As well as usual visuals (tyre condition, lights, wipers, washers etc)..
The vehicle is driven on a “Kinematics Compliance Test Machine”, which is an active chassis and suspension rig. This tests all suspension wear, real time brake performance and also performs an emissions test during the driving simulation.
The make and model of the vehicle is entered into the test rig, and it must meet that vehicles parameters for emissions and noise.
I actually witnessed this rig pick up a minor rear wheel brake cylinder leak on mate’s 1994 Jeep, through it’s real-time active brake test!
Interestingly, next door to the Riteve test station, there is a Tico mechanicS garage that “hires out” wheels (with roadworthy tyres), exhaust systems and even shockers and brake rotors, that the locals use to pass Riteve.
All their original stuff is put back on after successfully passing test.
Riteve cost is around US$28.00, and the “hire and fitment” of passable components another $20 odd!
This all goes on in full view and knowledge of the Gov Riteve inspectors too!
(Providing vehicle passes, they couldn’t care less if said vehicle is back to it’s dilapidated state 10 minutes later!)
Machamo fee (registration) is also interesting!
Annual fee is directly proportional to the vehicle’s value.
(They have a huge data base of THEIR determined value of make/model, year etc)
For example, a Tico’s 10 yr old Hyundai Excel might attract an annual Machamo fee of 30-40 bucks.
Or a “rich gringos” Hummer or 4x4 F250 Raptor fee could be 3500- 4000 bucks a year!
In our case, our 2015 RAV4 is around $600, our 2001 Jeep Wrangler is $200, and my Rhino buggy is only $90 odd!
Motorcycles are on a higher fee scale, due to high accident rates.
(Hospital and medical costs are included in your Machamo)
Vehicle Insurance isn’t compulsory, however worthwhile if you have a reasonably late model vehicle.
With insurance, you can pay an extra $26.00 “DRUNK Indemnity”
This Drunk cover ensures your insurance is still valid if you’re proven to be over the limit after an accident!
(Usually only blood tested if a fatality has occurred though)
Random drunk tests are unheard of down here!
(Sorry if prattled on too much!)