The safety of your little explorers is a top priority, and ensuring they have a secure journey is key to making everyone’s adventure as fun as it is safe. Below is a guide to Costa Rica car seat laws to help you on your way.
Costa Rica Car Seat Laws You Need to Know [2025]
Source: Article 94 of Traffic Law 9078, Regulation 38239
Under 1 year old
up to 13 kg (28.7 lb) &
75 cm (30 in) tall
A rear-facing car seat is required and placed as follows:
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- One Child – place them in the center of the back seat or in the spot with the correct installation point.
- Two Children – the lighter child should go in the center, and the heavier child behind the front passenger.
- >Three Children – the third seat goes behind the driver’s seat.
- One Child – place them in the center of the back seat or in the spot with the correct installation point.
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Toddlers – 1 to 4 years old
9 to 18 kg (19.8 to 40 lb) &
75 to 110 cm (30 to 43 in) tall
A front-facing car seat with side-impact protection is required and placed as follows:
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- One Child – place them in the center of the back seat or in the correct installation point.
- Two Children – the lighter child goes in the center, and the heavier one behind the passenger seat.
- >Three Children – the third seat is behind the driver’s seat.
- One Child – place them in the center of the back seat or in the correct installation point.
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Children 4 to 6 years old
15 to 25 kg (33 to 55 lb) &
110 to 145 cm (43 to 57 in) tall
Must use a high-back booster seat, placed in one of the side positions in the back seat or where the correct installation attachment is located.
Children 6 to 12 years old
22 to 36 kg (49 to 79 lb) &
110 to 145 cm (43 to 57 in) tall
Must use a booster seat, usually backless, in the back seat. Use one of the side positions or where the correct installation point is.
Children taller than 145 cm (57 in), even if under 12 years old
Can ride without child safety seat as long as they can use the vehicle’s seat belts and be able to:
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- Sit with hips flexed at a 90-degree angle against the back of the seat.
- Rest their feet fully on the floor of the vehicle.
- Sit with hips flexed at a 90-degree angle against the back of the seat.
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Enjoying the ride (and a new toy)!
Embracing the beauty of Costa Rica is an adventure, and while you may notice some locals bending the rules, it’s important to follow them as closely as possible—for your child’s safety, and to avoid any potential fines.
Understanding Costa Rica’s car seat laws not only ensures you’re compliant if stopped by police or in the event of an accident, but it also gives you peace of mind knowing you’re taking all the right precautions for your little one.
If you plan to rent a car seat through the car rental agency you choose, DiscoverCars.com allows you to filter by the type of car seat you require.
We prefer to travel with our own car seats now because we trust their safety and comfort, and it guarantees there won’t be any surprises upon arrival. Rental car companies don’t always guarantee availability, and the last thing you want is to be caught without one.
Must-Have Car Seat & Accessories for Happy Travellers!
For an affordable and lightweight option that covers all the bases, we recommend the Graco Tranzitions™ 3-in-1 Harness Booster.
Weighing just 13 lbs, it’s easy to transport and can convert from a forward-facing seat with side-impact protection and a 5-point harness, to a high-back booster, or even a backless booster. Plus, it folds flat for easy storage and transport, and has 2 integrated cup holders, making it ideal for travel.
With excellent safety ratings and rave reviews, we’ve never heard a complaint from our kids about comfort—definitely a win!
These cute shoulder straps are a nice upgrade for the seat, or any other.
Treat your car seat with care! Avoid tossing it onto the plane uncovered, as it won’t take long before it shows the wear and tear of frequent travel. Protecting it ensures it stays in top shape, so you can continue to focus on enjoying the journey ahead with your little ones.
Our go-to is the ProFaster Car Seat Universal Travel Bag, and it’s been a game-changer! It’s easy to carry, incredibly durable, and offers great value for the price.
One of the best features is the integrated pouch for convenient storage—perfect for folding it up and packing it away when not in use.
Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Car Seat
Here’s a little pro-tip to make your travels even smoother: bring along a seat belt locking clip, just in case the seat belt doesn’t lock when you install the car seat. It’s a small detail, but it can make a world of difference in keeping your experience stress-free and enjoyable.
5 Tips for Driving with Kids in Costa Rica
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Check the Rental Car for Compatibility: Before you pick up your rental car, ensure that it’s compatible with your car seat. Some cars have seats that are narrower or may lack the proper anchors for installation, so it’s best to confirm in advance.
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Allow Extra Time for Car Seat Installation: When picking up a rental car, give yourself plenty of time to properly install your car seat. Rental locations may be busy, and installing the seat correctly can take longer than expected. Rushing could lead to mistakes, so plan for a little extra time to ensure everything is secure and safe for your child before hitting the road.
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Choose Kid-Friendly Routes: When possible, take scenic routes that pass through towns or along coastlines. Not only will this break up the monotony, but it will also provide opportunities for fun stops and new experiences for your kids.
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Pack Snacks and Drinks: Some areas may have few services so make sure to pack ample drinks, water, and snacks to keep the fam happy and the hangry monsters at bay. This is also wise in case of an unexpected delay on the road.
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Prepare for the Weather: Costa Rica’s weather can be unpredictable, with sudden rain showers—especially during rainy season. Keep a rain poncho or umbrella handy, and pack extra clothes for the kids.
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Explore Safely Knowing these Costa Rica Car Seat Laws!
Ultimately, keeping your little ones safe and content while travelling allows everyone to enjoy the journey. There’s so much fun to be had in Costa Rica—don’t let car seat concerns steal your focus. Your adventure awaits!
Also explore our blog posts on renting a car and driving in Costa Rica to make your journey smooth and stress-free!
Ready to plan your next adventure? Head over to our Travel Resources page—it’s packed with the booking tools and travel essentials we swear by to make every trip amazing!
“Having kids is a reason to travel, never a reason to stop.” – Anonymous
