permisso extension in Costa Rica
 

Does anyone know how to extend a one month vehicle permisso in CR? I've just arrived back here to find my bike "expired" a month ago. penalties are extortionate to say the least....
Lance

Well I should answer my own question, having gone through the necessary hoops to find out the information.
The quick answer is that the only way to renew a permisso in CR is to go to any border and leave, then come back.

If you must fly out of the country temporarily then you should, I understand, leave the bike in a bonded customs warehouse. Apparently there is one near San Jose airport.
If you are caught in my position then you must sneak to the border (late afternoon, early evening) and try not to get stopped by the police (run the sleepy checkpoints), nor get involved in any incidents (do not speed etc.). If you do, then technically your bike can be confiscated. La mordida is less common in CR now, but it may be the only way to get out. Reasonableness may as }well. Once you get to a border you are liable for a $500 late fee.

I made the mistake of going to the East coast border with Panama, and they wanted me to leave the bike there and go back (4 hours by bus) to Puerto Limon to pay the fine. I remember seeing a post here about this customs process and that it took quite some time in Puerto Limon. After submitting to this reality and moving the bike into the aduana office we collectively arranged a more sensible conclusion involving less time and money. Substantially less. Email me for the details if you need them.
Unfortunately I cannot go back to CR for a few months. but that´s ok - I am heading south...

Lance