If you're planning on driving a taxi or private hire vehicle in the UK, it's important to be aware of all the regulations and laws that apply to your industry. One area of particular importance is child safety, as taxi drivers are often required to transport children between different locations.

Generally, it's best to always carry a child seat as a taxi driver, to safeguard young passengers and complete unexpected journeys that involve children. According to UK law, children aged 12 or younger and under 135cm in height must use a child seat or child restraint when travelling by car.

So, rather than be forced to pass up on a potential job, you will be ready to transport passengers of all ages at all times. Although having the correct child seat can be a challenge.

Depending on the age and size of the child, this can include a forward-facing car seat, booster seat, or taxi child harness. If you don't have the right one, you might still be able to take the job if you have a rear seat, and the child wears an adult seat belt if they're at least 3 years old, and without a seat belt if they're under 3. If you're transporting babies, then a rear-facing seat might be required. In this case, you must also deactivate the front airbags before setting off.

When transporting children in your taxi, you should remember that you may be held liable if an accident occurs and you've not used a child seat, or the child isn't wearing a seat belt if aged 3 or above. So it's crucial to always drive with caution, abide by the law and avoid any reckless actions or manoeuvres that could put children at risk.

Remember, you, as the taxi driver, are 100% responsible for making sure that any children under the age of 14 years are restrained correctly and in accordance with the law.