Riteve
Once a year, all vehicles in Costa Rica must pass an inspection called Riteve
What is Riteve?
Once a year, all vehicles in Costa Rica must pass an inspection. Those that pass receive a sticker to be affixed on the inside of a vehicle’s windshield. The monthly inspection is based on the last number of a vehicle’s license plate. For example, if your license ends in a four, the inspection is due in the 4th. month (April).
Here’s some information on how to get a car inspected:
What is inspected?
The inspection looks at a number of operational and functional items to assure safe operation; cosmetics are not an issue. Inspectors examine the proper operation of all external lights, exhaust system function and integrity, headlight alignment, suspension components, and more. Safety items include seat belt operation, brakes, windshield wipers, and window lowering and raising mechanisms.
How to Schedule Your Inspection
Thirteen Riteve sites are located across the country. To find one near you, see www.rtv.co.cr.
Appointments are usually issued, on average, three to four days in advance. Riteve is open Monday to Saturday
What to I need to take?
After you confirm your appointment print the page out so you can take it with you.
Your vehicle, of course. You’ll need ownership papers, a current marchamo (circulation permit), a passport copy or your cédula, and ₡10,000 (about $20).
How long will it take?
The inspection will take approximately 20-30 minutes. Plus waiting time for your turn.
What will happen during the inspection?
A technician will motion you forward to the first stop. He’ll ask you to turn on lights, operate turn signals, step on the brakes, open the hood and turn off / start up the engine. He’ll check for exhaust emissions, you will be asked to step on the gas pedal (in neutral) to bring engine RPMs to 2,500, and hold it there for a minute or two.
As each step is completed you will be directed to move forward to the next position. One station, which checks the car’s struts and shock absorbers, will cause the car to vibrate for a few moments. So don’t be alarmed.
When all steps are completed, you’ll be directed to park, exit the car, and go to the final station. If your car has passed, you’ll be issued a new window sticker and blue-and-white inspection form.
Put the form in the glove box with your other papers, peel the protective sheet off the sticker, apply it to the inside of your windshield, and drive away happy.
What happens if your car wasn’t able to pass?
The blue-and-white form you were issued shows exactly what tests your vehicle failed. It may be something as simple as a burned-out light bulb or as complicated as not meeting exhaust emission standards. It may be necessary to go to a competent mechanic and have the problems corrected.
In any case, the rejection paper gives a 30-day grace period to have problems fixed and the car inspected again. Don’t put off the repairs. Under Costa Rican law, only the repairing mechanic is allowed to drive the car until repairs are made and a new inspection sticker has been issued. The fine for driving on an expired sticker is over $300.
After you fix your vehicle you will have to pay for another inspection, and the cost of that is about half the price of the first inspection.
Hints for Passing:
Prior to inspection, find a good mechanic to conduct a per-inspection of your vehicle, including the exhaust emissions test. Let your mechanic correct any deficiencies. The cost is worth it to avoid the inconvenience of multiple inspections.
Some recognized mechanics if asked would take your car through Riteve for you, at an additional cost. The benefit is that recognized mechanics do not have to make an appointment.
If you decide to take the vehicle yourself, you may notice other cars revving their engines for several minutes prior to entering the inspection bay. This is a way to raise the internal temperature of the catalytic converter, which makes it more efficient and lowers emissions. If your car is more than a few years old, this can help you pass the exhaust emissions test.
As you wait your turn, make sure all doors are unlocked, seat belts fastened and the driver’s window is down.
Pick an appointment time early in the day, before technicians get tired and irritable from breathing exhaust fumes for several hours. They won’t wave any bad test results, but they’ll issue their instructions with a bit more tolerance and good humor.
And there it is! Getting your vehicle inspected is a pretty painless process, if you know what to do. If an inspection turns up deficiencies, discovering them is to your benefit – finding a problem early can save lots of money on repairs later. And, once done, you can drive with the confidence that your vehicle is mechanically safe.
