Car seats are required in Costa Rica by law. Specifically, children 12 years old and under, who are up to 57 inches/145 cm in height or weigh up to 79 pounds/36 kg, are required to use car seats or booster seats while traveling in a vehicle. These laws are in place to ensure the safety of children while on the road.
For infants up to one year old, who weigh up to 28.5 pounds/13 kg or are up to 29.5 inches/75 cm in height, they are required to be placed in a rear-facing car seat. This is to provide maximum protection for their fragile bodies in case of a collision. It is also recommended to place the rear-facing car seat in the middle seat of the vehicle, as this is considered the safest position.
As children grow older and outgrow the rear-facing car seat, they should transition to an appropriate forward-facing car seat or booster seat, depending on their height and weight. It is important to choose a car seat or booster seat that meets the safety standards and is suitable for the child’s age, height, and weight.
It is worth noting that these laws are not just recommendations but are actually enforced in Costa Rica. Law enforcement officers may stop vehicles to check if children are properly secured in car seats. Therefore, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to comply with these regulations to avoid any legal consequences and, more importantly, to protect the well-being of their children.
Personally, I have witnessed the strict enforcement of car seat laws in Costa Rica. During my visit to the country, I observed police officers conducting random checks of vehicles and ensuring that children were properly secured in car seats. This level of enforcement demonstrates the seriousness with which the government regards child safety on the road.
Car seats are indeed required in Costa Rica for children 12 years old and under, up to specific height and weight limits. It is important for parents and caregivers to adhere to these laws to protect the safety and well-being of their children while traveling in a vehicle.