Child Car Seats in London Taxis and Private Transfers

Choosing the right restraint for a child

Children normally need an appropriate child car seat until their 12th birthday or until they reach 135 cm in height, whichever happens first.

Once a child reaches that age or height threshold, the ordinary seat-belt rules apply.

A specific exception applies in a licensed taxi or private-hire vehicle when the driver has not provided the correct child seat. It is not a general permission to carry children unrestrained. For a planned transfer, discuss the child’s age and size and confirm a suitable seat when booking.

A limited legal exception

Licensed taxis and private-hire vehicles

1. If the correct child seat is unavailable in a licensed taxi or private-hire vehicle, a child under 3 may travel only in a rear seat without a child seat or seat belt. 2. A child aged 3 or over may use the same exception only in a rear seat while wearing an adult seat belt.