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.
Taxis
Children under 12 months must not travel in a NSW taxi unless they are secured in a suitable approved child restraint - rear-facing up to 6 months, and rear-facing or forward-facing with an inbuilt harness from 6 to 12 months. The taxi driver must not start the trip if neither the driver nor the adult passenger has one.
Children over 12 months may travel in a taxi wearing a properly fastened and adjusted seatbelt, although a suitable approved child restraint is strongly recommended. Children under 4 must not sit in the front seat.
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 hire and rideshare vehicles don't have to carry a child restraint, and the driver may refuse the trip if a child under 7 has no suitable restraint - so check with the service before you book, or bring your own.
Private Vehicles
In a private car, children up to 6 months must use a rear-facing restraint, children aged 6 months to 4 years a rear-facing restraint or a forward-facing restraint with an inbuilt harness, and children aged 4 to 7 years a forward-facing restraint with an inbuilt harness or an approved booster seat.
Prefer to Travel with a Requested Child Restraint?
Whatever the minimum rules allow, many parents prefer their child to travel in the restraint they'd use in the family car. Pre-book a family transfer and request a restraint for each child.
Ready to Book?
Tell us each child's age and approximate size, the number of adults, your luggage and any pram, and we'll arrange the child restraints and a vehicle for your family.