A child aged 3 or older can travel in a back seat without a child car seat and without a seat belt if the vehicle doesn’t have one.

In most cases, children under 3 must always be in a child car seat.

The rules are different if:

• the child is in a taxi or minicab,
• the child is in a minibus, coach or van,
• the child is on an unexpected journey, for example an emergency,
• there’s no room for another car seat,

Taxis and minicabs (private hire vehicles).

If the driver doesn’t provide the correct child car seat, children can travel without one – but only if they travel on a rear seat:

• and wear an adult seat belt if they’re 3 or older,
• without a seat belt if they’re under 3.

Minibuses and vans:

Minibus or coach drivers and companies don’t have to provide child car seats.
You must provide your own if you want to make sure a child has one.

Coaches:

Children can travel without a child car seat or seat belt, if they’re not available.

Minibuses:

All children must travel in rear seats (any seats behind the driver) if a child car seat or an adult seat belt isn’t fitted.

Children aged 3 or older must:

• use a child car seat if there’s one available in a minibus
• use an adult seat belt if child car seats are not fitted or are unsuitable

Vans:

The rules for vans are the same as for cars.

Unexpected journeys

If the correct child car seat isn’t available, a child aged 3 or older can use an adult seat belt if the journey is all of the following:

• unexpected
• necessary
• over a short distance

You can’t take children under 3 on an unexpected journey in a vehicle without the correct child car seat, unless both of the following apply:

• it’s a licensed taxi or minicab,
• the child travels on a rear seat without a seat belt.

No room for a third child car seat

Children under 3 must be in a child car seat, Child safety in taxis is essential
If there’s no room for a third child car seat in the back of the vehicle, the child must travel in the front seat with the correct child car seat.

Children aged 3 or older can sit in the back using an adult belt.