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Those who own a vehicle in Costa Rica should know about the Vehicle Inspection or RTV, also known as RITEVE – now DEKRA. All cars older than 4 years after manufacturing must pass RTV every year before they’re allowed to circulate on the country’s public roads. At Godutch Realty, we sell homes and residential lots in the Central Valley, but we like to update our clients about everything during their due diligence process.
If you own or plan to own a vehicle in Costa Rica, one name you’ll quickly become familiar with is RITEVE. Short for Revisión Técnica Vehicular, RITEVE is the national vehicle inspection program responsible for ensuring that all motor vehicles on Costa Rican roads meet basic safety and environmental standards. Whether you’re a local driver or an expat new to the country, knowing how RITEVE works is essential for staying legal—and safe—on the road.
If you own or plan to own a vehicle in Costa Rica, one name you’ll quickly become familiar with is RITEVE. Short for Revisión Técnica Vehicular, RITEVE is the national vehicle inspection program responsible for ensuring that all motor vehicles on Costa Rican roads meet basic safety and environmental standards. Whether you’re a local driver or an expat new to the country, knowing how RITEVE works is essential for staying legal—and safe—on the road.
What Is RITEVE?
RTV (pronounced ree-teh-veh) means Revisión Técnica Vehicular or Technical Vehicle Revision. This is not to be mistaken with RITEVE, which was the first company assigned; the service was taken over by DEKRA in October 2022 after the government contract with the original operator expired. The inspections are mandatory, and every vehicle—regardless of age or origin—must undergo testing annually (or more frequently, in the case of commercial vehicles). New cars are not required to pass Dekra’s vehicle technical inspection immediately after purchase. The first RTV for a new car is four years after it is manufactured.
Where to get the RTV test?
Dekra offers 13 revision stations in different locations throughout the country and 3 mobile units. You can schedule an appointment directly by clicking the Dekra website, then searching for the inspection stations – estaciones de inspection – and making the appointment from there, as shown below. Have a look at what the cost of the revision is at Tarifas Inspección Técnica Vehicular. You can also go directly to the DEKRA booking site.
What Does the Inspection Cover?
The RITEVE inspection is thorough. It checks several aspects of the vehicle, including:
- Braking system
- Suspension and steering
- Emissions levels
- Lighting and electrical systems
- Tires and wheel alignment
- Windshield wipers and mirrors
- Seat belts and safety equipment
- Chassis integrity and rust
Vehicles are rated on whether they pass, pass with minor faults, or fail. A failure requires repairs and a re-inspection within 30 calendar days—re-tests are offered at a reduced fee.
Where to get the RTV test?
RTV means Revisión Técnica Vehicular or Technical Vehicle Revision. This is not to be mistaken with RITEVE, which was the first company assigned; the service was taken over by DEKRA in October 2022.
Dekra offers 13 revision stations in different locations throughout the country and 3 mobile units. You can schedule an appointment directly by clicking the Dekra website, then searching for the inspection stations – estaciones de inspection – and making the appointment from there, as shown below. You can also go directly to the DEKRA booking site.
Before the vehicle can be inspected, RTV will identify it by controlling the VIN number, chassis number, and license plates. Then, they will inspect the car thoroughly inside and out.
When is it your turn for the Riteve inspection?
RITEVE uses a color-coded sticker system, and your license plate number determines when your inspection is due. For example, plates ending in “1” must be inspected in January, “2” in February, and so on. December is typically used for catch-up appointments.
Inspection Timeline by Plate Number:
Plate Ends In Inspection Month
1 January
2 February
3 March
4 April
5 May
6 June
7 July
8 August
9 September
0 October
The Sticker
The RTV sticker must be carried on the right side of the car’s windshield (passenger side). On a motorbike, the stick should be on the right side of the gas tank. You don’t carry a valid RITEVE sticker? Then, you are bound to receive a ticket, and a traffic inspector can confiscate your license plates.
The RTV, the Marchamo sticker, and the 3rd license plate (also a sticker) are the three stickers you should always keep up to date in Costa Rica to avoid legal issues when driving a vehicle.
Import a vehicle
When you import a vehicle from another country, you must take it to the vehicle inspection for approval first, before the authorities allow you to circulate with it.
Purchase a used vehicle
When you purchase a used car in Costa Rica, play it safe and insist that the seller obtain the RTV approval before purchasing. Some used car dealers roll back the odometer to alter the mileage.
Some used car dealerships seem to sell wrecked or salvaged cars that they patch up before selling them in Costa Rica. Before you purchase a used car from the US, check it on CarFax first. Why not buy a salvaged car yourself? Check here. If you are purchasing a vehicle like that, you might have surprises waiting for your first inspection.
