Official Information
- NSW Government – Child car seats
- NSW Point to Point Transport Commissioner – Child restraints in taxi, hire and rideshare vehicles
- Transport for NSW – Child car seats
Last reviewed: October 2026. This is a summary of the NSW rules, not legal advice - rules can change, so always check the official sources.
NSW has different child restraint rules for taxis, for hire and rideshare vehicles, and for private vehicles. Each is summarised separately below - don't assume the rule for one applies to the others.
Child Restraint Rules in NSW Taxis
Up to 6 months
Must be secured in a suitable approved rear-facing child restraint.
6 to 12 months
Must be secured in a suitable approved rear-facing child restraint, or a forward-facing child restraint with an inbuilt harness. A rear-facing restraint is strongly recommended.
1 to 7 years
May travel wearing a properly fastened and adjusted seatbelt, although a suitable approved child restraint is strongly recommended.
- A taxi driver must not start a trip if a passenger is under 1 year old and neither the driver nor the adult passenger has a suitable approved child restraint.
- Children under 4 years must not sit in the front seat of a taxi, hire or rideshare vehicle.
Rideshare and Booked Hire Vehicles
The rules for hire and rideshare vehicles are the same rules that apply in a private vehicle - so children under 7 must use an approved child restraint suitable for their age and size. The taxi rules above do not apply to them.
Standard taxi, hire and rideshare vehicles don't have to carry a child restraint, and a hire or rideshare driver may refuse the trip if a child under 7 has no suitable restraint - so arrange one before you travel.
Child Restraint Rules in Private Vehicles
For comparison, these are the NSW rules for private cars:
Up to 6 months
Must use a rear-facing child restraint.
6 months to 4 years
Must use either a rear-facing child restraint or a forward-facing child restraint with an inbuilt harness.
4 to 7 years
Must use a forward-facing child restraint with an inbuilt harness or an approved booster seat.
7 years and over
If too small for a seatbelt, should use an approved booster seat or anchored safety harness. The suggested minimum height for a seatbelt is 145cm.
Requesting a Child Restraint for Your Taxi
The taxi rules set a legal minimum. If you'd prefer your child to travel in an age- and size-appropriate restraint, request one when you book.
Baby / Infant Restraint
Rear-facing options for babies who need an appropriate rear-facing restraint, including newborns leaving hospital.
Toddler / Child Restraint
Child restraints arranged according to your child's age and size, including forward-facing restraints with an inbuilt harness.
Several Children
Request a restraint for each child, subject to vehicle configuration and availability - give us every child's age and approximate size.
When booking, tell us each child's age and approximate size so we can arrange an appropriate restraint for the journey. You don't need to guess which restraint to request. We arrange baby capsules and child seats. We do not provide booster seats - if your child uses a booster seat, please bring your own approved booster.