Updated regulations for rental cars and vans
This week we finally have the new set of car seat regulations.
Very similar to the old rules, we like the added flexibility with overlapping ranges of weight and height. This means some kids will fit in two different categories and therefore are allowed to use either of the two devices.
Another important detail for Morpho Vans and our clients is that all these rules do not apply to public service vehicles. So if you are traveling in any “Turismo” licensed van or minibus you are not required to have a carseat of any kind. We believe, however, that kids should still use a car seat and we provide an appropriate one, according to the kid’s age, to all our passengers that request it in their reservations.
But if you travel through Costa Rica on a rental vehicle, sedan or van, you must use a car seat according to the chart below. Police officers are allowed to inspect your vehicle, from the outside, to verify the correct device is being used. The fine for not having it is equivalent to approx $400 US dollars.
- Infants from 0 to 1 year lod must travel on the middle seat facing backwards.
- From 1 to 4 years old they still travel in the middle seat but now they can face forward.
- If you have two kids in either of these categories, the heavier one can go on one side and the lighter one in the middle.
- From 4 years old they travel in the booster seats, using the vehicle’s safety belts.