Child seat in a taxi in London: the UK rules and how to request one

In the UK, a child doesn’t legally need a car seat in a licensed taxi or minicab if the driver doesn’t provide the correct one, but only if the child travels on a rear seat. Gov.uk says children aged 3 or older must then wear an adult seat belt, and children under 3 travel without a seat belt. The law allows it, but a suitable child seat is still safer, so the practical answer is to ask the operator for one when you book, or bring your own.

This guide restates the official rules from gov.uk’s Child car seats: the law as published in October 2026. It isn’t legal advice; if your situation is unusual, read the gov.uk pages directly. It then explains how to ask an operator for the right seat and what to bring.

What does the law say about child seats in taxis and minicabs?

Gov.uk’s page on when a child can travel without a car seat covers taxis and minicabs (private hire vehicles) directly. It says:

If the driver does not provide the correct child car seat, children can travel without one - but only if they travel on a rear seat:

• and wear an adult seat belt if they’re 3 or older
• without a seat belt if they’re under 3

Three things follow from that wording:

1. It only covers rear seats. The exception does not let a child travel in the front without the correct child seat.
2. Age matters. Children aged 3 or older wear an adult seat belt. Children under 3 travel without one.
3. It only applies when the driver doesn’t provide the correct seat. It doesn’t make a child seat unnecessary. It means the journey can still go ahead if one isn’t available.

How do the rules compare with a private car?

The taxi and minicab exception is different from the rules in a family car. This table sets out the gov.uk rules side by side:

Source: gov.uk, Child car seats: the law, October 2026. Gov.uk says children over 12 or more than 135cm tall must wear a seat belt.

Which type of seat does your child need?

If you do use a seat, gov.uk explains how to choose one. You can choose a seat based on your child’s height or weight:

• Height-based seats must be rear facing until your child is over 15 months old. Only approved height-based seats can be used in the UK; they carry a label with a capital ‘E’ in a circle and ‘R129’.
• Weight-based seats are grouped by weight. Approved seats carry a label with a capital ‘E’ in a circle and ‘ECE R44’.

Gov.uk also sets out how a seat must be fitted. A child car seat can only be used with a seat belt that has a diagonal strap, unless the seat is designed for a lap belt or is fitted with ISOFIX anchor points. You must deactivate any front airbags before fitting a rear-facing baby seat in a front seat, and you must not fit a child car seat in a side-facing seat.

Children with disabilities or medical conditions. Gov.uk says the same rules apply, but children can use a disabled person’s seat belt or a child restraint designed for their needs. A doctor can issue an exemption certificate if a child is unable to use a restraint or seat belt because of their condition.

How to request a child seat from an operator

Child seats are not standard in every private hire vehicle, so ask when you request your quote, not on the day. Give the operator:

1. The number of children and their ages. Add weight and height for babies and toddlers, so the operator can match the seat type.
2. The type of seat you need. For example, a rear-facing infant carrier, a forward-facing seat with a harness, or a high-backed booster.
3. Your total passenger count and luggage. Seats and a pushchair take space. The operator may suggest an estate or MPV instead of a saloon; you can see the vehicle types partner operators offer.
4. The pick-up details. For flights, include the flight number. Ask the operator to confirm the seat in writing with your quote.

Then ask a few questions:

• Will the seat be fitted before the driver arrives, or will they fit it at pick-up?
• Is there a charge for the seat? Operators may charge for child seats; the amount, if any, is set by the operator and confirmed with your quote.
• What happens if the seat they bring isn’t right for your child?

On MinicabTransfer you can compare fares and request a quote, and mention your child seat needs in the request. We don’t run cars or employ drivers. The TfL-licensed operator you choose contacts you directly to confirm the seat, the vehicle and the final price.

What to bring yourself

Bringing your own seat removes the guesswork, especially for babies. Before you travel:

• Check the label. It should show the ‘E’ in a circle with R129 or ECE R44.
• Check how it fits. ISOFIX seats need ISOFIX anchor points in the vehicle, so ask the operator whether theirs has them. A belt-fitted seat needs a seat belt with a diagonal strap unless it’s designed for a lap belt.
• Practise fitting it. You’ll usually fit it yourself, so allow a few minutes at pick-up.
• Tell the operator. A bulky seat takes up space that would otherwise go to luggage.

For older children, a booster cushion is light and easy to carry. Gov.uk notes that manufacturers can now only make booster cushions approved as group 3; existing group 2 cushions can still be used.

Airport journeys with children

Airport transfers are where seats matter most: you’re tired, the luggage is heavy and the drive can be long. Request the seat with your quote and give your flight number so the operator can track delays. Our guides to airport meet and greet and Heathrow Terminal 5 pickup explain the arrivals process.

Fares between Heathrow and central London start from £74 for a saloon, or £97 for an MPV. These are indicative figures, and the operator confirms the final price, including any charge for child seats. Our airport transfers page covers every London airport. For other things to check before you book, see how to book a safe minicab in London.