All everybody seems to talk about are the new traffic laws. Being caught is no laughing matter now, my brother-in-law tells us. You better watch out when you drive to Guanacaste, my mother warns. You know, if you’re caught drunk, you go to jail, my nephew says. (Good, I reply. They’re too many drunk drivers.) You can even go to jail if you drive over 150 kms he insists. (Good, they’re too many reckless drivers.) And forget bribing the policeman, that’s a big fine now too. (Good, less corruption, although I wonder if it’ll be enforced. Policemen earn only about $450 a month.) And there’s a point system now so with every offense, points are deducted from your license and when you reach 0, you lose your license. (I’m still not very impressed but my nephew doesn’t give up. He’s really indignant about the whole matter.) Some fines are equivalent to a worker’s salary. (Okay, you have my attention.) Here’s a list of some offenses and their fines, in approximate dollar figures.

     making a U-turn: $305

     driving without a license: $450

     not wearing a seat belt: $370

     talking on a cellphone while driving: $305

     a child under 12 yrs. old without a booster seat: $420

     motorcyclist not wearing a reflective jacket: $168

     pedestrian not crossing street at a corner: $84

Considering that the average monthly salary is around $500–$1000, these fines are pretty drastic. Unreasonable, many Costa Ricans will say, the government has lost its marbles. People didn’t even know what booster seats were and stores didn’t have them in stock, my sister points out, and adds, plus they’re expensive.