One of the most common questions we receive from our readers who are renting a car in Costa Rica and traveling with their family is about the car seats in Costa Rica.
In this article, we’ll share with you the Costa Rican laws regarding children and child seats in cars.
If you’re planning on renting a car, make sure to check out our Costa Rica car rental discount and extra freebies to save some money!
Types of Car Seats in Costa Rica
These are the guidelines by Costa Rican law, as outlined by the Ministerio de Obras Publicas y Transportes.
Types of seats, weight and height
This is what Costa Rica’s driving law says about kids seats. This law applies for all rental cars.
Infant car seat
This seat must be used for newborn babies to 1 year with maximum weight of 13 kilograms (28.66 lbs) and maximum height of 75 cm (2’5 feet).
It must be put in the back seat and positioned looking towards the back of the car.
Baby car seat
This is for babies 1 to 4 years old weighing between 9 to 18 kilograms (19.8 to 39.68 lbs) and having a minimum height of 75 cm (2’4 feet) and maximum height of 110 cm (3’6 feet).
The seat has to be in the back seat.
Baby booster seat with back
The booster seat must be in one of the sides of the back seats and it is for children 4 to 6 years old with a weight between 15 to 25 kilograms (33 to 55 lbs) and a maximum height of 145 cm (4’7). Minimum height of 110 cm (3’61 ft).
The seat belt must go across the waist, it does not go across the neck.
Kid booster seat without back
This seat is for older children from 6 to 12 years old with a weight between 22 to 36 kilograms (48.5 to 79.37 lbs) and a maximum height of 145 cm (4’7). Minimum height of 110 cm (3’61 ft).
The seat belt goes across the waist, not the neck.
Recommendations when you rent a car
Ask to see a photo of the car seat. Car rental agencies offer different seats. Best to ask to see a picture to make sure it works for you.
Not all agencies may offer rear facing baby seats for less than 1 year old. Ask. If they don’t, you will need to bring your own.
The car rental agent will normally show you to to use the seat, and then you are responsible for installing it. The agent nor car rental agency are not liable for any damages or injuries due to an improperly installed seat.
Depending on how many children you have and how many seats you require, you may need a large SUV to comfortably fit all the seats and your luggage.
Special discount
For those of you who need a baby or booster seat, we have a great deal for you.
Our partners, Adobe Rent a Car is offering Mytanfeet readers who rent a car using our Mytanfeet widget, free baby or booster seats, as many needed. So parents, you not only get a car rental discount but you can save more on your Costa Rica vacation!
Get the car rental discount and your free baby & booster seats here!
We hope this post helps clear up any confusion about the car seats in Costa Rica required. Don’t forget to check out our other travel tip posts below.
Ross says
Here is the citation if anyone else is like me and gets nervous, when other websites conflict. Mytanfeet is correct.
https://babyseat.fundacionmapfre.org/children/regulations/legislation-countries-car-seats/
Gessell says
Very helpful tips. It’s interesting how different laws can be regarding car seats around the world. For example, here in Amsterdam by law you are not required to use a car seat in taxis. Kind of a culture shock!
Sammi says
It is very interesting to see the rules around the world for sure!