Quick & Easy Check For Costa RITEVE
How do I pass Costa Rica Riteve
(RTV) Inspection? Top 5 Things to check for passing.
In Costa Rica, a vehicle inspection called Riteve (RTV) is required every year. This inspection is similar to the state emissions inspections in the United States.
The month the inspection must be completed is based on the license plate number. In addition to checking the quantity of emission, your vehicle is releasing into the environment, the inspection ensures safe operation of the auto.
If you are planning on taking your vehicle to RTV for the inspection yourself, these are a few items to inspect on your vehicle to improve your odds of passing the inspection on the first attempt.
Recommendation
We recommend you visit the Riteve website at for information about the inspection along with scheduling your inspection time and location. On their website, you are given an English option for those who are not yet fluent in Spanish. To check current rates
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Costa Rica Riteve Pre-Inspection
We also recommend that you have your vehicle pre-inspected by a mechanic. Generally, mechanics are aware of the common issues and can make necessary repairs or adjustments that can save you the time and money of a re-inspection. If you are on the frugal side and are looking to save the expense of the inspection by a mechanic, take a look at the following list and you will be more prepared.
What parts of your car may be problems on the inspection? We have included our top five issues that can be addressed prior to the inspection to improve your odds of a successful result. We have not included checking the emissions on the list as this would require equipment that most people in Costa Rica do not have access to.
#1 Brakes
If your breaks are “spongy” or your brake equipment is worn beyond acceptable limits you will fail the inspection. In addition, the parking brake must engage fully. Our vehicle has needed the parking brake adjusted nearly every inspection.
#2 Tires
Tire wear is a common problem. If you’re in need of new tires now would be the time. Our Jeep has oversized tires which are wider than the stock tires. The issue is that the tire tread is not allowed to protrude past the fenders. This keeps you from throwing water and mud at other vehicles during the rainy season. One option that we know people using is to rent tires for the inspection. We chose a permanent solution and had some custom fenders made that were wide enough to cover the tire tread.
#3 Seatbelts
In addition to signs of wear, the seatbelts must function correctly and be able to restrain the driver or passenger in an accident. If your belt is not performing correctly you should have it repaired or replaced.
#4 Horn
It may seem like an insignificant thing but the horn is one of the most useful safety features for driving in Costa Rica. Coming from North America, we were not used to the frequency of people using their horns. The horn is much needed in heavy traffic and to alert others of potential hazards. A functioning horn is a requirement for the inspection.
#5 Lights
Headlights, brake lights, and turn signals must all function properly. Make sure none of your bulbs are burned out and that they are working as they should. Many vehicles have additional light racks etc. There is a limit to the height off the ground that lights can be mounted. Chances are if your vehicle has a light rack on the roof it is probably over the height limit. These lights must be disconnected (non-functioning) for the inspection.
As you can see from the list, these items are primarily safety-related. Don’t get too upset if your car or motorcycle doesn’t pass for these reasons, they may have just saved your life. You will have the additional expense of a re-inspection but you can feel confident that your auto will operate safely for a while. Hopefully by following the tips above you will avoid the need for a re-inspection and will have a more pleasurable Riteve experience.
