Child Car Seats in UK Taxis and Minicabs: What the Law Says
Parents flying into London often ask whether their children need car seats in a taxi or a pre-booked car. The short answer: UK law has an exemption for licensed taxis and private hire vehicles, but it is limited, and it is not the safest way for a child to travel. Here is what the rules say and how to make sure your child has the right seat.
The general rule
In the UK, children must normally use a child car seat until they are 12 years old or 135 cm tall, whichever comes first. The seat must suit the child’s weight or height.
The taxi and minicab exemption
According to GOV.UK, if the driver of a licensed taxi or minicab (private hire vehicle) does not provide the correct child car seat, a child can travel without one – but only on a rear seat:
- Under 3: the child can travel without a child seat and without a seat belt.
- 3 and older: the child can travel without a child seat but must wear an adult seat belt.
The exemption does not apply to the front seat.
Legal is not the same as safe
The exemption exists so that a parent can still take a taxi when no seat is available. It does not make travelling without a seat safe. A small child on an adult’s lap or in an adult seat belt is far less protected in a sudden stop than a child in a proper seat – and airport journeys are often on motorways.
How to get a child seat for an airport transfer
With us, child seats and boosters are free on request. When you book, tell us the age of each child, and the right seats are fitted before the driver arrives. There is nothing to carry through the airport and nothing extra to pay.
- Babies – a rear-facing infant seat.
- Toddlers – a forward- or rear-facing child seat.
- Older children – a high-back booster seat.
Which vehicle for a family?
Child seats take space. An Economy Sedan takes up to four passengers and three large suitcases; with two child seats, a Standard Van (six passengers, four large suitcases) is usually more comfortable and leaves room for a pushchair. Prices are per vehicle, not per person: Heathrow to Westminster starts from about £46 in a sedan and about £79 in a van.
Bringing your own seat?
That is fine too. Mention it in the booking notes so the driver knows, and allow a few minutes at the kerb to fit it.
Get your fixed price – enter your pickup, destination, date and time and every vehicle is priced in seconds. The price you see is the price you pay.
More for families: family airport transfers in London and our vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do children need a car seat in a UK taxi?
Not by law if the driver cannot provide one, but only on a rear seat: under-3s without a belt, children 3 and older with an adult seat belt. A proper child seat is much safer.
Can a child sit in the front of a taxi without a car seat?
No. The taxi and minicab exemption only applies to rear seats.
Are child seats free with your airport transfers?
Yes. Child seats and boosters are free; tell us each child’s age when you book.
Until what age does a child need a car seat in the UK?
Normally until the child is 12 years old or 135 cm tall, whichever comes first.
