MOPT-Courtesy
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) invests 100 million colones each year to replace traffic signals, including the ones that suffer all kind of vandalism: from receiving graffiti until “magically” disappearing.
The Criminal Code provides a 5-to-30-day imprisonment penalty for those who damage a traffic signal. However, during 2016, suspects have not been reported and in 2015 only 3 complaints were filed.
Signals are damaged because of “fun”: a very expensive entertainment to the MOPT.
The areas where most signals must be replaced due to the theft of metal components are León XIII, Alajuelita, San Sebastián and Cartago.
A photograph went viral on social networks last year.
One driver managed to capture two minors, students of a private school in Moravia, when they painted a traffic sign.
The case was criminally charged and sent to the Office of Heredia. However, since they were minors, it is not possible to get a statement from the Prosecutor’s Office.
Damage or theft of traffic signals can be reported by calling the Department of Road Signs: 2226-54 11, extension 249.