Australian laws about child car seats in taxis, rideshares and buses
In Australia, there are laws about the use of child car seats in taxis, rideshare services and buses. These laws vary across states and territories.
Child car seats in taxis
The law in all states and territories except New South Wales
- Taxis must have at least one child car seat anchorage point, although they don’t have to provide a car seat.
- All wheelchair-accessible taxis must provide a car seat.
- Children under 7 years must travel in the second row of seats and use a car seat if one is available.
- Children under one year can sit on the lap of a passenger who’s 16 years or older if there’s no car seat.
- Children aged 1-7 years must wear a properly fastened lap-sash adult seatbelt if there’s no car seat.
The law in New South Wales
- Children under one year must use a car seat.
- Children aged 1-7 years must travel in the second row of seats and use a car seat if one is available.
- Children aged 1-7 years must wear a properly fastened lap-sash adult seatbelt if there’s no car seat.
Extra safety precautions
- Use your own child car seat. Just let the taxi service know beforehand.
- Sit children aged 12 years and under in the second row of seats.
It’s always safest for your child to use a car seat when travelling by taxi. Planning your journey can help with this. If you can’t use your own car seat, you can search online for a taxi service that provides car seats. If the taxi provides a suitable and approved car seat, your child must use it.
Child car seats in rideshare services
The law in most Australia states and territories
In most states and territories, the laws that apply to private cars apply to rideshare services.
This means all children under 7 years of age must sit in a child car seat that’s the right size and correctly installed, adjusted to fit and fastened.
Some rideshare services offer car seats for an extra fee. If you use a service that doesn’t provide car seats, use your own. If you need to travel with your child and don’t have a car seat, the service might refuse to transport you and your child.
The law in Queensland and Western Australia
In Queensland and Western Australia, the laws for taxis also apply to rideshare services.
Child car seats in buses
Buses are vehicles with more than 12 seats, including the driver. Children don’t have to use child car seats in buses, but it’s recommended that they do.
Buses aren’t required to have car seat anchorage points and don’t have to provide or install car seats. If you want your child to use a car seat on a bus, check that the bus has an anchorage point. You’ll need to provide and install the car seat yourself.
In all states and territories, the laws that apply to private cars apply to community transport buses and passenger vans with 12 or fewer seats.
Road rules for different vehicles in each state and territory might change over time. It’s a good idea to stay up to date with the road rules in your state or territory. This will ensure you and your child stay safe when travelling.
Children with disability, medical conditions or other needs
If your child has a disability, a medical condition or other needs and uses a modified or special purpose child car seat, it’s a good idea to contact the taxi, rideshare or bus service to ask how they can safely accommodate your child’s travel needs.