Child car seats in private hire cars: a plain guide

Parents ask us about child seats more than almost anything else. The rules for private hire cars are not the same as for your own car, and most people are not sure what they are. This is a general guide to how it works and what we do. It is not legal advice, and the law can change, so for the official position check the government's guidance on child car seats on GOV.UK.

The normal rules in your own car

In the UK, the general rule is that children must use a child car seat until they are 12 years old or 135cm tall, whichever comes first. The seat has to suit the child's weight or height, and it must be an approved type. In your own car, that applies on every journey.

There are a few exceptions, and one of the main ones covers licensed vehicles for hire, including private hire cars.

The exception for licensed vehicles

In very simple terms, if the driver of a licensed private hire car does not provide the right child seat, the law allows children to travel without one in some situations, as long as they are in the back.

• Children under 3 can travel without a child seat in the rear of the car. They cannot use an adult seat belt on their own.
• Children aged 3 and over can travel in the rear using an adult seat belt, if the right child seat is not available.

That is the legal minimum, not the safe option. The exception exists because licensed vehicles can't always carry every type of seat. It does not mean a seat makes no difference. A child seat that fits the child and the car properly is the safest way for them to travel.

There are other details in the rules, for example about the front seat and about children with medical conditions. GOV.UK sets these out, so read the official guidance if you are not sure.

What FindCab does

We don't want you to rely on the exception. So we provide child seats free of charge. When you book, you can add:

• Baby seats for young babies, usually rear-facing.
• Child seats for toddlers and young children.
• Booster seats for older children who are not yet tall enough for an adult belt on its own.

Add the seats in the extras step of the booking form, and tell us the age and roughly the weight or height of each child. The driver will bring the right ones and fit them before you get in. If you are not sure which seat your child needs, put a note in the booking or call us and we will help.

Can I bring my own seat?

Yes. Many parents prefer their own seat because they know it and their child is used to it. If you bring one, make sure you know how to fit it, because the driver may not know your model. You may need it at your destination anyway, for example if you are hiring a car abroad.

If you bring your own seat on the way out and you are flying, check your airline's rules about taking it on the plane or checking it in.

Count every child as a passenger

This sounds obvious, but it catches people out. Babies and children need a seat in the car, so count them in your passenger number when you book. A family of two adults and three children is five passengers, not two. The booking form uses that number to show only the vehicles that have enough seats.

Child seats also take up more room than an adult. Three child seats across the back of a saloon is often not possible. For families with more than two children in seats, a people carrier or a minibus is usually better.

Buggies, cots and baby kit

Travelling with young children means more luggage. Buggies, travel cots and bags of baby things fill a boot quickly. When you book:

• tell us about buggies and cots as well as suitcases
• choose an estate car or people carrier if you have a lot
• add a note if anything is an unusual size

If the car is too small on the day, it causes delays, and on an airport run that is stressful. Better to tell us too much than too little.

The front seat

We sit children in the back. It is safer, and the exemption described above only applies to the rear seats. If you are a big group and someone has to sit in the front, it should be an adult. A rear-facing baby seat must never be used in a front seat with an active airbag.

Long journeys with children

If you are going a long way, such as to Heathrow, Gatwick or a cruise port, a few things help:

• Plan in a break. Tell us when you book and we will allow time for a stop.
• Bring drinks, snacks and something to do.
• Pack a small bag of essentials that stays with you in the car, not in the boot.
• Dress children in comfortable layers. Cars warm up quickly.

Coming back from the airport

If you book a return, add the seats to both journeys. The driver will have them fitted before you reach the car. With meet & greet (£5), the driver meets you inside the arrivals hall and helps with the bags and the buggy, which makes a big difference when you are tired and the children are too.

A quick summary

• The usual rule is a child seat until 12 years old or 135cm.
• Licensed private hire cars have an exception, but it is a fallback, not the safest choice.
• FindCab provides baby, child and booster seats free. Add them when you book.
• Count every child as a passenger.
• Check GOV.UK for the official rules.

Book with child seats

When you book, add the seats you need in the extras step and tell us your children's ages. The price you see is fixed and the seats cost nothing extra. Book your journey here, or call 0161 660 4006 if you have any questions about seats.