Babies and kids riding in taxis and Ubers: Child seat safety rules you need to know

Child and baby car seat laws vary across different Australian states and territories.
When you’re travelling with babies or kids, understanding the child seat safety rules for taxis and Ubers is crucial.
While laws around car seats and child restraints vary across Australian states and territories, one thing remains consistent: keeping your little ones safe means ensuring they are securely strapped into an approved child restraint that matches their age and size.
Let’s explore the rules and the best ways to keep your child safe while on the go.
Car seat requirements by age:
- 0 – 6 months: Your baby must be secured in an approved rearward-facing child restraint.
- 6 months – 4 years: Your child must be secured in either a rear or forward-facing approved restraint with an inbuilt harness.
- 4 – 7 years: Your child must be secured in a forward-facing approved restraint with an inbuilt harness or an approved booster seat.
Why child restraints are essential for road safety
In Australia, all children under seven years old must be secured in an appropriate child restraint or booster seat when travelling in any vehicle. Road rules mandate this safety requirement to reduce the risk of serious injuries in the event of a crash.
A child sitting in a regular seat with an adult seatbelt is far more vulnerable to injury. Studies show that children under seven are at least four times more likely to suffer head injuries if using an adult seatbelt, compared to those using a proper child restraint.
Taxi and Uber car seat rules across Australian states and territories
In most parts of Australia, children must be properly restrained to minimise the risk of injury or death in a crash.
While rules vary across states and territories, the safest choice is always to ensure your child is in an approved child restraint.
Here’s a quick overview of the rules across Australia:
New South Wales’ Uber and taxi car seat laws
In NSW, children under 12 months must be secured in an approved child car seat:
- Under 6 months: Rearward-facing restraint.
- 6 months – 12 months: Either rearward or forward-facing restraint with an inbuilt harness. Children over 12 months can wear a seatbelt while traveling in a taxi, but parents may choose to use a car seat for added safety.
To travel in an Uber, babies and children who are under the age of seven must be secured in an approved child car seat for their age.

Victoria’s Uber and taxi car seat laws
In Victoria, children under seven must be restrained in a suitable child restraint whenever they travel in a motor vehicle, including in taxis and Ubers. The same rules apply for rideshare services as for private vehicles.
Queensland’s Uber and taxi car seat laws
In Queensland, children are not required to use a car seat in taxis, rideshares, or buses with more than 13 seats (including the driver’s seat). However, taxis and rideshare vehicles must have at least one anchor point for a car seat. For buses with 12 or fewer seats, children under seven must use an appropriate restraint.
South Australia’s Uber and taxi car seat laws
In South Australia, Uber and other ridesharing services must comply with child restraint rules for children up to 16 years old. Some rideshare services may offer car seats for a surcharge, but it’s important to check with the company before booking.
Tasmania’s Uber and taxi car seat laws
Tasmania exempts taxis and public buses from supplying car seats, but all passengers, including children, must wear seatbelts if they are available.
Children under 12 months can sit on the lap of an adult in a taxi or bus, but car seats are recommended. If you’re travelling in a car or rideshare, children under seven must be in a child car seat, forward-facing or rearward-facing, or a booster seat.
You can use your own car seat if it is correctly fitted, properly fastened and meets Australian Standards. Never let children share a seatbelt with another passenger
Also in Tassie, if your child is under seven years of age and is travelling in a car or a ridesharing service like an Uber, your child needs to be in either a rear-facing child car seat, forward-facing car seat or a booster seat.
Western Australia’s Uber and taxi car seat laws
Children aged 1 to 7 years are not legally required to be secured in a child car restraint when traveling in taxis or rideshare vehicles in Western Australia. However, it’s always safest to use the appropriate restraint for your child’s age and size.
For babies under 1 year, they can be held on the lap of a parent or caregiver (16 years or older) in a taxi or rideshare, but they cannot share a seatbelt. It’s strongly recommended to use a seatbelt when available, ensuring it is properly adjusted and fitted to provide the best possible protection.
Northern Territory’s Uber and taxi car seat laws
In the Northern Territory, children under seven must use a child car restraint where one is available. If no restraint is available, children under one can sit on a parent’s lap in a taxi or rideshare, but cannot share the seatbelt.
Children aged one and older must sit in their own seat with an appropriately adjusted seatbelt.

Can I take an Uber or Taxi with my baby or child?
It’s essential to check the specific regulations for your state or territory before you travel, as rules differ across Australia. Ensure the safety of your little ones by following the local laws and transport guidelines.
By understanding these car seat rules and making the necessary arrangements, you can keep your child safe and secure during your ride in a taxi or Uber. Always prioritize safety, no matter where you’re travelling in Australia.