The Traffic Police emphasized on March 9 the mandatory use of child restraint devices for transporting minors, especially as the school year begins and ahead of the upcoming high-traffic holiday period. Authorities reported that last year, 1,027 drivers were fined ¢246,000 and received four points on their license for failing to properly secure children with approved devices.
Director of the Traffic Police Martín Sánchez Agüero also noted that in 2025, there were 90 fines issued for carrying children under five years old on motorcycles, which is both illegal and dangerous due to young children’s inability to hold on securely or stay awake during rides. “It is understood that not all areas have frequent bus service and that motorcycles are sometimes the only means of transport for parents. However, it is a very high risk to carry someone so young on such a vehicle, even if they are wearing a helmet,” Sánchez said.
In the first two months of 2026, authorities recorded 172 fines related to improper use or absence of child restraint devices and another 18 sanctions for transporting children under five years old on motorcycles. These numbers show an increase compared to the same period in 2025 when there were 158 and 12 cases respectively.
Sánchez clarified that four types of child restraint devices are approved by decree: infant carriers, car seats, boosters with backrests, and boosters without backrests. The choice depends on the child’s age, height, and weight. He stressed that it is not optional to transport a minor without an appropriate device or with one unsuitable for their characteristics. The penalty in 2026 remains at ¢245,000 plus four license points.
He further explained that single-cab vehicles like pick-ups can carry minors using these devices but recommended disabling airbags if possible since airbags can cause serious injuries to small children during accidents. Sánchez warned against holding children in laps while driving or feeding them without stopping the vehicle: “There is no human capacity to hold onto a child during an accident—especially a frontal collision—so carrying them in your arms is not an alternative.” He also advised never changing diapers or breastfeeding while the car is moving unless both adult and infant are properly secured.
