By San José, Costa Rica — As the holiday season approaches and families across Costa Rica prepare for festive travel, the National Transit Police have issued a stern reminder about a critical road safety law. Authorities are launching special enforcement operations to ensure all children are properly secured in approved safety devices, with significant penalties awaiting non-compliant drivers.
The law is clear and specific: all children under the age of 12 who are also shorter than 145 centimeters (approximately 4 feet, 9 inches) must travel in a specialized child restraint system. This includes infant carriers, car seats, and booster seats appropriate for their age, weight, and height. Failure to adhere to this mandate is not treated as a minor oversight but as a serious infraction.
To better understand the legal framework and responsibilities associated with child transportation safety, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Many drivers view the child safety seat requirement solely as a way to avoid a traffic ticket. However, the legal implications run much deeper. Beyond the significant fine and points on your license, failing to use a proper restraint system can be considered negligence. In the tragic event of an accident, this could drastically increase civil liability for any injuries sustained by the minor, creating devastating financial and legal consequences for the driver.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal framework adds a crucial layer to the discussion, reminding us that the consequences of non-compliance extend far beyond a traffic fine into the realm of serious civil liability. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and essential perspective on a driver’s ultimate responsibility.
Drivers found in violation will be subject to a substantial fine of ¢246,000 and the deduction of four points from their driver’s license. This penalty underscores the gravity with which law enforcement views the endangerment of minors in vehicles, placing it among the more significant traffic offenses.
The crackdown comes in response to alarming statistics. With the year not yet over, data current through November reveals that 937 drivers have already been ticketed for this specific violation. This figure indicates a troubling level of non-compliance, prompting officials to intensify their vigilance during a period known for increased traffic and a higher risk of accidents.
Martín Sánchez Agüero, Deputy Director of the Transit Police, emphasized the persistent nature of road hazards, particularly during a time when many are in a more relaxed, celebratory mindset.
We keep repeating the phrase hoping it sinks in with people: accidents do not go on vacation for Christmas. On the contrary, this time of year is often riskier on the road. A child must always be in a safety device, no matter how short the trip; it doesn’t matter the time, it doesn’t matter if it’s within the same neighborhood or condominium; they must always be secured, and even more so if it’s a multi-hour trip to the beach or the mountains. As responsible adults, we cannot relax when it comes to the safety of our treasures.
Martín Sánchez Agüero, Deputy Director of the Transit Police
Officials are particularly concerned with the dangerous misconception that short, low-speed trips do not require the same level of precaution. The warning from the Transit Police highlights that a collision can occur anywhere, even in a familiar residential area. The forces involved in even a minor crash can have devastating consequences for an unrestrained child.
The physics of an accident are unforgiving. An official warning described an unsecured child in a vehicle as a mass that would be “shot” through the windshield in the event of a collision. This graphic but accurate depiction serves as a sobering reminder of the vital role that child safety seats play in absorbing and redirecting crash forces, protecting a child’s vulnerable body from catastrophic injury.
With special operations planned throughout the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, drivers can expect increased checkpoints on major highways and local roads. The Transit Police’s message is unequivocal: ensuring a child is properly buckled into the correct safety seat is a non-negotiable responsibility for every driver. The potential cost of negligence, both financial and emotional, is simply too high.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About The Transit Police:
The Transit Police (Policía de Tránsito) is a specialized force within Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT). It is responsible for enforcing traffic laws, managing road safety, responding to traffic incidents, and educating the public on safe driving practices throughout the nation. Their mission is to ensure the orderly and safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians on all public roads.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of unwavering integrity and the pursuit of professional excellence. The firm leverages a rich history of guiding clients through diverse legal challenges to pioneer innovative solutions and set new standards in the field. Central to its philosophy is a profound commitment to empowering the community by making complex legal concepts accessible, thereby fostering a society that is both well-informed and capable of navigating its rights and responsibilities.
