Do You Need a Child Car Seat in a UK Taxi or Minibus?

Understanding the Law & Why Newcastle Airport Transfers Does Things Differently**

Travelling with children can be stressful, especially on long journeys to and from Newcastle Airport. One question parents often ask is:

“Do children legally need a car seat in a taxi or minibus?”

The answer is surprisingly simple:

❗ No — in the UK, child car seats are NOT legally required in taxis, private hire vehicles, minibuses, coaches, or vans in certain circumstances.

According to UK Government guidance, children:

https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules/when-a-child-can-travel-without-a-car-seat

Under 3 years old

✔ Can travel without a car seat✔ Must ride on a rear seat✔ Do not need a seatbelt if none is available

Aged 3 and over

✔ Must ride on a rear seat✔ Must wear an adult seatbelt

This exemption exists because taxis have unpredictable bookings and limited storage space. That’s why most UK taxi companies do NOT provide child car seats at all.

Why Many Parents Still Prefer a Child Car Seat

Even though the law allows children to travel without a seat, many parents choose to use one because:

• Safety – Proper seats significantly reduce injury risk

• Comfort – Ideal for long journeys from Cumbria, North Yorkshire, Northumberland, County Durham, Tyne & Wear and the Scottish Borders

• Peace of mind – Helps children stay settled and secure

• Airport travel often means motorway speeds

This is why Newcastle Airport Transfers invested in a complete range of child car seats for families.

Newcastle Airport Transfers: We Provide Car Seats

Unlike many taxi firms, we offer:

✔ Infant carriers

✔ Rear & forward-facing toddler seats

✔ High-back boosters

✔ Cushioned booster seats

Full details:👉 https://www.newcastleairporttransfers.com/child-car-seat-info-and-prices

Seats are professionally fitted, cleaned, and safety-checked. We simply charge a small additional fee to cover maintenance, sanitising, and fitting time.

Why Car Seats Matter for Airport Transfers

Airport journeys are usually long, involve luggage, and use motorways. Children are safer and more comfortable in appropriate seats, and parents appreciate the reassurance.

We specialise in airport and long-distance travel, serving:

• Cumbria

• North Yorkshire

• Northumberland

• County Durham

• Tyne & Wear

• Scottish Borders

How Our Car Seat Service Works

1. Choose seat type when booking

2. We install it before arrival

3. Seats are cleaned and safety checked

4. We can provide multiple seats for family groups

Final Thoughts

UK law may allow travel without child seats in taxis, but that doesn’t make it the safest or most comfortable option — especially for long airport transfers. Newcastle Airport Transfers is proud to go beyond legal requirements by offering a full, family-friendly child seat service.

Reliable, safe, and convenient — Set Fares, Not Surprises, and safety with every journey. https://www.newcastleairporttransfers.com/bookup