Car safety
Car seat law in Costa Rica: who needs one, which seat and the fine
In Costa Rica, a car seat or booster is required for every child under 12 years old who is shorter than 1.45 meters (4 ft 9 in), under Decree 38239-MOPT. Here is what the rule says, the exceptions, the fine, and what it means if you are renting a car or moving here.
Quick answer
- Who needs a car seat? Every child under 12 years old who is shorter than 1.45 m (4 ft 9 in). Both conditions count: age and height.
- The fine: ₡245,000 (about US$537) plus 4 points on the driver's license in 2026, according to the MOPT.
- Where it goes: in the back seat. The decree does not allow it in the front passenger seat, with one narrow exception.
- Which seat: infant seat or convertible facing the rear from birth, a harnessed seat after that, and a booster until the vehicle belt fits properly.
What the law says
Article 94 of Costa Rica's Traffic Law No. 9078 makes child restraint systems mandatory, and Executive Decree No. 38239-MOPT, published in La Gaceta No. 80 on April 28, 2014, sets the details. Under that decree, children under twelve who measure less than 1.45 meters must travel in an approved child restraint system.
It is a double condition. An eight-year-old who is still under 1.45 m still needs a seat or booster, even if they “look big” for their age. A practical tip: measure your child every few months instead of guessing.
Taxis, buses and other exceptions
The rule applies to any private vehicle carrying a child under 12 who is shorter than 1.45 m, and also to school transportation, which must comply. The decree lists only these exceptions:
- Taxis and the special stable taxi service.
- Regular-route buses and minibuses (public transportation).
- UTVs, mopeds and motorcycles, unless they have a sidecar.
Ride-hailing cars, rental cars, private shuttles and tour vans are not on that list, so the safest assumption is that the rule applies to them. Even where it does not, a properly installed seat is what protects your child in a crash.
Which seat at which age
Article 2 of the decree describes reference groups. They are guidelines: the real weight and height limits depend on each seat, so always follow the manual of your specific model.
| Group | Reference age | Reference weight | Reference height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group 0 | 0 to 1 year | Under 10 kg (22 lb) | Up to 75 cm |
| Group 0+ | 0 to 1 year | Under 13 kg (29 lb) | Up to 75 cm |
| Group I | 1 to 4 years | 9 to 18 kg (20 to 40 lb) | 75 to 110 cm |
| Group II | 4 to 6 years | 15 to 25 kg (33 to 55 lb) | 110 to 145 cm |
| Group III | 6 to 12 years | 22 to 36 kg (48 to 79 lb) | 110 to 145 cm |
In practice that means an infant car seat or a convertible facing the rear for babies, a harnessed seat for toddlers, and a booster for older kids until the vehicle belt crosses the shoulder and hips, not the neck or belly. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping children rear-facing as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height the seat allows.
Can a child ride in the front seat?
No. Article 2 of Decree 38239-MOPT says the child restraint must not be placed in the front passenger seat, except in a narrow case the decree describes (such as vehicles without rear seats). The back seat keeps the child away from the frontal impact and from the passenger airbag.
The fine
According to the MOPT's release of March 9, 2026, driving with a child without a child restraint costs ₡245,000 and 4 points on the license; 1,027 drivers were fined in 2025 and 172 in just the first two months of 2026. Infobae reported 472 fines in the first half of 2026. The amount is updated every year, so confirm the current figure with the MOPT or COSEVI.
Renting a car, tours and shuttles
- Rental cars: most agencies rent car seats for a daily fee. Ask for the exact model and check the expiration date and the installation yourself.
- Tours and shuttles: many do not provide seats, or you will not know which model shows up. Families who travel a lot usually bring or buy their own.
- Staying a month or more? Buying is often cheaper than renting. A booster seat starts at ₡48,000 (about US$105) with us, and we ship anywhere in the country.
Car seats we sell
These are the car seats in stock today, with the price of the day. Not sure which one fits your child or your car? Send us their age, weight and height and your car model.
See all of them, with a buying guide by stage, in Car seats in Costa Rica.
Where to buy it in Costa Rica
Our store is in Grecia, Alajuela, 300 meters west and 75 meters south of the Grecia Municipality, in the Central Valley. You can come and try it in person, or order online and we ship it anywhere in the country with Correos de Costa Rica, free on orders from ₡65,000 (₡4,000 below that). Message us before you drive over, so we can have it ready.
Frequently asked questions
Is a car seat mandatory in Costa Rica?
Yes. Under Decree 38239-MOPT, which regulates article 94 of Traffic Law 9078, a child restraint system is mandatory for children under 12 who are shorter than 1.45 meters.
What is the booster seat law in Costa Rica?
As long as the child is under 12 and shorter than 1.45 m, the law requires some type of child restraint, and the booster is usually the last stage before the vehicle belt alone. Each booster's manual gives its own weight and height limits.
What is the fine for not using a car seat in Costa Rica?
According to the MOPT, in 2026 it is ₡245,000 plus 4 points on the driver's license (March 9, 2026 figure). The amount is updated every year.
Do taxis in Costa Rica need car seats?
Taxis, the special stable taxi service, regular-route buses and minibuses, UTVs, mopeds and motorcycles without a sidecar are excepted by the decree. School transportation must comply.
Can my child sit in the front seat?
No. The decree does not allow the child restraint in the front passenger seat, except in a narrow case it describes. The seat belongs in the back.
Where can I buy a car seat in Costa Rica?
At La Casita del Bebé in Grecia, Alajuela, or online with shipping anywhere in the country, free from ₡65,000. We answer on WhatsApp in English.
Why buy from La Casita del Bebé?
We are a family-run baby store in Costa Rica, not a drop-shipping website. This is what you get:
- A real store in GreciaCome see, touch and try the stroller, car seat or crib before you decide. We are in Grecia, Alajuela, in the Central Valley.
- 5.0 stars on GoogleReal reviews from families who bought from us, on our Google Business Profile.
- Brands you know, with warrantyGraco, Joie and Premium Baby. Every product has a 3-month warranty, and up to 12 months depending on the brand.
- Help in English before you payMessage us on WhatsApp and Erick will help you choose what fits your family and your car, without overselling.
- Free shipping from ₡65,000We ship anywhere in Costa Rica with Correos de Costa Rica, beach towns included. Orders under ₡65,000 pay ₡4,000 for shipping.
- Pay the way you preferCredit or debit card (Tilopay), SINPE Móvil, bank transfer, 0% installments with BAC cards, or reserve it with a ₡10,000 deposit.
Sources
- Executive Decree No. 38239-MOPT, La Gaceta No. 80 (April 28, 2014): Costa Rica's child restraint regulation under article 94 of Traffic Law 9078 (ages, heights, reference groups and exceptions).
- MOPT, news release of March 9, 2026: 2026 fine (₡245,000 and 4 license points), drivers fined in 2025 and early 2026.
- Infobae Costa Rica (July 16, 2026): 472 fines for driving without a child seat in the first half of 2026.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Car Safety Seats, Information for Families.