🇨🇷 Drive Costa Rica with Confidence
Know the rules. Carry the right documents. Enjoy the road.
Do You Need an IDP in Costa Rica?
Recommended for Non-EU Drivers
EU and EEA licence holders can drive freely in Costa Rica without an IDP. However, non-EU visitors are strongly recommended to carry an International Driving Permit. French law requires a French translation of any non-French licence, and an IDP serves as that official translation. Most rental companies will refuse to hand over keys without one, and police during routine checks may issue fines if you cannot present a valid translated licence.
Crit'Air Vignette Required
Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Strasbourg, and other major cities enforce Zones a Faibles Emissions (ZFE) low-emission zones. You must display a Crit'Air vignette sticker on your windscreen. Without it, fines start at €68. Order online before your trip or confirm your rental car has one pre-installed.
Driving Rules in Costa Rica
Drive on the Right
France drives on the right side of the road with left-hand-drive vehicles. At unmarked intersections, the rule of priorite a droite (priority to the right) applies — vehicles approaching from your right have right of way.
Strict Alcohol Limits
The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% (0.02% for drivers with less than 3 years of experience). Random breathalyser tests are common. Penalties include heavy fines, licence suspension, and imprisonment for repeat offenders.
Toll Motorways (Autoroutes)
France has over 9,000 km of toll motorways. Tolls are paid at barriers using credit cards or cash. A Paris to Nice drive costs approximately €75 in tolls. The Liber-t electronic tag lets you pass through without stopping.
Speed Limits
Urban areas: 50 km/h. Open roads: 80 km/h. Dual carriageways: 110 km/h. Motorways: 130 km/h (110 km/h in rain). Speed cameras are widespread and fines arrive by post. Radar detectors are illegal.
Mandatory Equipment
French law requires a high-visibility vest and a warning triangle in every vehicle. While the requirement to carry a breathalyser was relaxed, rental companies usually include all mandatory equipment.
Renting a Car in Costa Rica
France has extensive rental options at airports, train stations, and city centres. Here is what you need to know.
Required Documents
Non-EU visitors need a valid IDP alongside their home licence and passport. A credit card in the driver's name is required for the security deposit. Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
Typical Costs
Compact cars start from €30–50/day. Diesel vehicles are popular and fuel-efficient. Full coverage insurance (including excess waiver) adds €10–20/day. Book early for summer and holiday periods.
Top Rental Companies
Europcar — France's largest domestic rental company. Hertz — Widespread airport and station locations. ADA — Budget-friendly French chain with competitive rates.
“We drove from Paris through the Loire Valley and down to Provence. The autoroutes were incredibly well-maintained and having our IDP made the Europcar pickup at CDG airport completely hassle-free. The toll costs add up, but the convenience is worth it. France by car is the way to go.”
Read our guide: The Mistake Americans Make on European Road Trips
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Costa Rica IDP FAQ
EU/EEA licence holders can drive freely in Costa Rica. Non-EU visitors are strongly recommended to carry an IDP alongside their home licence. Most rental companies require it, and police may request one during routine checks.
France has an extensive toll motorway (autoroute) network. Most accept credit cards at toll booths. A trip from Paris to the Riviera can cost over €70 in tolls. The Liber-t electronic tag allows automatic toll payment without stopping.
Major French cities including Paris, Lyon, and Marseille have Zones a Faibles Emissions (ZFE) that require a Crit'Air vignette sticker. Without this sticker, you can be fined up to €68. Rental cars usually come with the vignette pre-installed.
France drives on the right side of the road with left-hand-drive vehicles. Priority is given to traffic approaching from the right at unmarked intersections, known as priorite a droite.