If you’re visiting Costa Rica with children, there’s one rule you definitely need to know before hitting the road: child car seats are mandatory, and the laws are strictly enforced.
Failing to comply could cost you over $350 USD per child, and police can stop you for non-compliance even if you’re just driving from the airport to your Airbnb.
But don’t worry, we’ve broken it down clearly by age, weight, and height, using official MOPT (Ministry of Public Works and Transportation) guidelines.
What Are the Child Seat Requirements?
From 0 to 1 Year Old
Use: Rear-facing infant car seat (portabebé)
Seat must be secure and not move
Weight: Up to 13 kg (≈ 28 lbs)
Height: Up to 75 cm (approx. 2’5″)
Must be installed rear-facing in the back seat
- From 1 to 4 Years Old
- Use: Forward-facing car seat (silla)
- Weight: 9–18 kg (≈ 20–40 lbs)
- Height: 75–110 cm (approx. 2’5″ to 3’7″)
- Install in the back seat, secured with seat belts or anchors
- Child must be properly strapped in with a 5-point harness
From 4 to 6 Years Old
Use: High-back booster seat (asiento con respaldo)
- Weight: 15–25 kg (≈ 33–55 lbs)
- Height: 110–145 cm (approx. 3’7″ to 4’9″)
- Back seat only
- Must ensure the seat belt fits across the chest and shoulder, not the neck
- From 6 to 12 Years Old
- Use: Backless booster seat (asiento sin respaldo)
- Weight: 22–36 kg (≈ 48–79 lbs)
- Height: 110–145 cm (approx. 3’7″ to 4’9″)
- Used in the back seat with the seat belt crossing the chest correctly
- If the shoulder strap hits the neck or face, child is still too small for adult belt
If you’re caught without the proper child seat, you could face a fine of 198,000 colones (about $350) per child. And you may be required to purchase a proper seat before being allowed to continue your journey.
Renting a Child Seat in Costa Rica
Most car rental agencies offer child seats for an additional charge, but availability isn’t always guaranteed. We strongly recommend reserving your child seat in advance to ensure you get the right size for your child.
Bringing Your Own Car Seat? Check for Compatibility
While bringing your own car seat can be a great option, it’s important to note that some vehicles in Costa Rica may not have standard LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) systems. If your rental car lacks these anchors, you’ll need to secure the seat using the seat belts instead. Make sure you’re familiar with how to do this before you travel.
Final Tips for Traveling with Kids in Costa Rica
- Always check for seat fit based on height and weight, not just age
- Double-check child seat laws before your trip, as regulations may change.
- Confirm your car rental includes the seat size you need.
- If bringing your own seat, test securing it with seat belts in advance.
- Be prepared for local law enforcement to check for compliance.
By planning ahead, you can ensure a safe and smooth trip for your little ones while exploring Costa Rica!
Legal Disclaimer:
This blog post is for informational purposes only and based on Costa Rica’s current child car seat laws as defined by MOPT. Requirements may be updated. Always verify with official sources or local authorities before travel.
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