Infants/toddlers in Taxis???

I believe it depends on the type of vehicle that is used. My understanding is that if it is a regular taxi car then yes, the kids will need car seats. The same rules apply as if it were a private car.

However if it is some kind of bus or something then no, the kids will not need seats. Many hotels offer bus services, or there may be other airport shuttles, or whatever. So, it might be easiest for you to look into shuttles - then you can even contact the company to make extra sure that you won't need a seat.

Or, you could take your car seats with you. The airline should not count them towards your baggage allowance. It may seem like a PITA to do this but then at least you've got them when you get there, should they be needed for any reason.

I have had to call a taxi at the very last minute to make a doctors appointment with my 2year old. When I called for the taxi I told them I had a 2year old and a Maxi Taxi(Van) picked me up and it had the car seat there for me. I live in a town, so Im sure when you book your taxi on the GC they will be able to provide the seats for you. If you are unsure, maybe call a taxi company prior to holidays and ask what they do in that circumstance. I use to work for a limo company and we supplied the seats but our jobs were booked in advance so we knew what we had to prepare. You may just have to wait a lil extra so a taxi driver can get the seats from their depot first.

I have had to call a taxi at the very last minute to make a doctors appointment with my 2year old. When I called for the taxi I told them I had a 2year old and a Maxi Taxi(Van) picked me up and it had the car seat there for me. I live in a town, so Im sure when you book your taxi on the GC they will be able to provide the seats for you. If you are unsure, maybe call a taxi company prior to holidays and ask what they do in that circumstance. I use to work for a limo company and we supplied the seats but our jobs were booked in advance so we knew what we had to prepare. You may just have to wait a lil extra so a taxi driver can get the seats from their depot first.

No you do not require a car seat in any type of taxi in QLD, you just hold the baby on your lap, the toddler can use the seat and adult seat belt if they choose.

You can try to pre-book a taxi with a car seat but they offer no guarantees and can charge an extra fee.

I live in Brisbane and have used taxis a couple of times so I assume this is the law for QLD.

call 133222 and then you can request a capsule. I didnt read the rest of the posts but have recently spent time with my little fella in bris whilst he was having an operation. The info that I got from the taxi service there was that they can put the child on your lap...but if you get caught by the cops you and the driver are given a fine. You are also putting your child at rist if your in an accident...personally I would rather have them in a car seat....I think that theres a surcharge of around $12 on top of your cab fare.

Just out of interest, how did you go with this? We live on the Gold Coast and if there was a taxi service with carseats it would make our life so much easier going to social events where both my husband and I would like a wine or two. We went to a wedding the other day and I could only have one glass of champagne.

Yes this is what I thought. This was the case when I went to Melbourne smile

You do by law require a car seat in Melbourne. We were refused by 1 taxi company because we didn't have the seat and didn't want to wait for them to get 1. The other company said its out risk if we get caught by the cops.

But if I were you, in the GC I would be getting a shuttle bus to and from your hotel, or if private accommdation then get dropped off at the closest hotel. It is much cheaper than a taxi.

Have a nice holiday!

Here is your answer straight from the FAQ on the Queensland Transport website. smile

Do buses and taxis need to provide child restraints?

No. All taxis will have an anchor bolt that can be used to fit a child restraint, however not all taxis will have a child restraint so you may need to provide your own. As taxis do not have to supply child restraints, parents/carers are advised to provide their own. A parent/carer without a child restraint should not use one seatbelt to secure themselves and the child.

A bus that has 13 or more seats, including the driver, does not need to be fitted with seatbelts and child restraints are not required.

The new seatbelt rules do apply to a bus that has 12 seats and all passengers must wear seatbelts if they are fitted. If seatbelts are fitted child restraints must be used.

So I would say yes you need to have a carseat.

Here is the link to the site also.

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Driver-guide/Child-restraints/Frequently-asked-questions.aspx

Hope this helps. I think there is also a helpline phone number if you want to talk to someone to make sure you are reading correctly.

Have a great holiday.

I recently caught a taxi to the airport while i was in Newcastle with DD, i know its a different state but he told me by law ALL MOBILITY Taxis have to carry child restraints.

I had her seat on me but when dad booked the taxi they said they would provide the seat.