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Do You Need a Car Seat in a Taxi in Scotland? | GLA Transfers Guide

Jun 14, 2025 | Glasgow

Do You Need a Car Seat in a Taxi in Scotland? – What Parents Must Know

Travelling with children involves enough stress- adding taxi regulations shouldn’t. In Scotland, the rules for child car seats in taxis are governed by UK law, but there are special exceptions. Here’s what the government and road safety experts say, so you can make informed, safe choices.

🚦 Legal Requirements in Scotland (and rest of UK)

  • Children must use a child car seat until they are 12 years old or 135 cm tall, whichever comes first

  • Over 12 years or taller than 135 cm? They must wear a seat belt .

🚖 Taxi-Specific Exceptions

Licensed taxis and private hire vehicles have legal exceptions

  • Under 3 years old: Must use a child seat if available. If none, they can travel unrestrained in the rear seat.

  • Aged 3–12 (or under 135 cm): Must use a child seat if available. If not, they can wear an adult seat belt in the rear.

  • 12+ years or 135 cm+: Must wear a seat belt, always.

❗ Safety Alert vs. Legal Minimum

  • Government advice emphasises that child seats greatly reduce injury risk, even if the law allows otherwise

  • Unrestrained children or those using only adult belts are less protected in crashes

👨‍👩‍👧 Real-World Insight

On r/glasgow:

“Legally you can take a child of any age in a taxi or minicab without a car seat.”
“I’ve never seen a taxi provide a car seat.”

Many parents report:

“Book an airport taxi that can provide a suitable child seat. … A good airport taxi service is worth every penny.” Here at GLA Transfers we can provide car seats for all ages.

✅ Summary Table: Legal vs Safety

Child’s Age/Height Legal Requirement (Taxi) Safety Best Practice
Under 3 years Child seat if available; if not, can be unrestrained rear Always use rear-facing seat, ideally installed by parent
Aged 3–12 (<135 cm) Child seat if available; otherwise adult belt in rear Use booster or child seat for better protection
12 years or taller than 135 cm Must wear seat belt Seat belt is appropriate

🛡️ Best Practices for Safe Taxi Travel

  1. Bring your own car seat – portable and meets legal standards.

  2. Request a taxi with a child seat when booking (we offer this service).

  3. Install properly yourself – ensure it’s the correct size and securely fitted.

  4. Never seat a child unrestrained next to an active airbag

  5. If no seat available, travel in rear using adult belt only for children 3+ – or unrestrained if under 3 (legal, but not safest).

✅ Bottom Line

  • It’s legal in Scotland for very young children to ride without a seat in taxis, but it’s not safe.

  • Your best choice: bring and fit your own approved child seat, or request one when making the booking.

  • Your priority should always be your child’s safety, regardless of legal minimums.

Related Pages

Ready to travel safely with the kids? Let us know your child seat preferences when booking your taxi with GLA Transfers.