As the upcoming long weekend approaches due to the Independence Day holiday on Monday, September 15, authorities are reminding pet owners about the importance of transporting pets safely in vehicles. This reminder comes as questions about pet travel frequently appear on the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) social media channels.
Martín Sánchez Agüero, Deputy Director of the Traffic Police, addressed both legal and safety aspects related to transporting animals. He clarified that Costa Rica’s traffic law does not specify how pets should be transported in vehicles. However, there is one clear rule: pets must not be placed on the driver’s lap, arms, shoulders, or head while driving. This applies to all types of pets such as cats, iguanas, dogs, and hamsters. Violating this rule can result in a fine of ¢123,000—the same penalty imposed for using a mobile phone without a hands-free device while driving.
“It is up to each person how they carry their animal since we can only make recommendations except for the specific point already described,” said Sánchez.
Sánchez emphasized that pets should not travel loose inside cars because they are at high risk during an accident. “The companion animal should not go loose in the car; it will be the first affected in a crash; it will ‘fly’ after impact with possibly fatal consequences from injuries,” he explained.
He added that unsecured animals could become dangerous projectiles during collisions and may also cause harm to passengers. Pets riding in the front passenger seat could jump onto drivers or interfere with pedals, potentially causing accidents.
Letting pets stick their heads out of windows is also discouraged as they might get hit by passing objects or vehicles or fall into traffic—endangering themselves and others if another driver swerves to avoid them.
“The ideal situation is to carry them in the back seats, restrained—not loose on the passenger seat—because they could fall onto the pedals and prevent braking, thus causing a tragedy,” Sánchez advised.
In summary, although no specific regulation dictates how animals must travel inside vehicles according to Costa Rican law, officials recommend using proper restraints similar to child safety devices to reduce risks for both pets and humans during trips.
