Child seats in London taxis and private hire: what the law actually says

This surprises most parents, so it is worth stating plainly.

The general rule

In normal cars, children must use an appropriate child restraint until they are 12 years old or 135cm tall, whichever comes first.

The exemption for licensed vehicles

Licensed taxis and licensed private hire vehicles are treated differently. Where a correct child seat is not available, a child may travel without one — but they must travel in the rear seats, and a child aged three or over must wear the adult seat belt.

The exemption exists for a practical reason: a licensed vehicle cannot carry every size of seat for every passenger it might pick up. It is not a statement that travelling without a seat is as safe.

What we would do regardless of the rules

The exemption makes a journey legal. It does not make a properly fitted seat unnecessary. If you are travelling with a baby or a toddler, book the seat in advance and give the child's age and approximate weight — that is what determines which seat is correct, not the age alone.

Booking one properly

• Say the age and rough weight when you book, not on the day.
• Ask which type will be fitted — infant carrier, toddler seat or booster are not interchangeable.
• Check it is fitted before you arrive, not carried in the boot for you to install at the kerb.
• Bringing your own is fine and often the best answer for a long trip — but tell the operator, because it changes the luggage space you have.

One more thing about airport runs

If you are flying with your own seat, you will usually be reunited with it at baggage reclaim rather than the gate. If it is going in the hold, plan the transfer as though you do not have it — because for the first twenty minutes on the ground, you might not.