Child Safety Seats Requirement for Private Hire Cars but Not for Taxis

Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry asked Minister for Transport (a) why it is necessary for private hire cars to have child safety seats when it is not required for taxis; (b) how many child safety seats are needed for private hire cars, especially when passengers may have more than one child travelling with them; and (c) whether there can be more policy consistency for private hire cars and taxis on this matter.

For safety reasons, the Traffic Police require any passenger below 1.35 metres in height to be properly secured by an approved child restraint or booster seat. However, taxis are exempted from this rule because they can be street-hailed, and it would not be practical to expect them to be equipped with child restraints or booster seat at all times, or to reject passengers with infants or children.

In comparison, private hire cars are pre-booked, and passengers can indicate upfront if they require child restraints or booster seats.