Toddler on mothers lap in taxi.

cormie · 06-12-2015 12:38PM #1

I saw a toddler of only about 2 years old sitting on its mothers lap in the back of a taxi yesterday and was just wondering what would happen in the case of them being pulled over by the Garda or in the case of them being involved in a collision? It's the drivers responsibility to ensure anyone under 17 wear their seat belt, but I also see here: http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Your-Vehicle/About-your-Vehicle/Example-of-non-Dup/Seat-belts--child-restraints-/ that it says "other than a taxi" in reference to child restraints. Does this mean it's ok then?

I was thinking, from the taxi drivers perspective too, what happens in the case where somebody books a taxi and the taxi calls to collect them and has already made a 20 minute journey to collect a fare only to find out they have a toddler with them and can't take them, is it the taxi driver's loss?

Atlantic Dawn · 06-12-2015 12:40PM

I recall something mentioned about Taxis having to carry booster seats a while back but perhaps it wasn't brought in to law. It wouldn't be the drivers responsibility it would be the parents in a taxi if there was an issue.

harr · 06-12-2015 12:44PM

I could be wrong but I don't think there is a legal obligation for taxis to provide child seats and I think a child can be carried in a taxi without one.

This link is for a child 3 and over not sure about under 3
http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Road-Safety/Campaigns/Current-road-safety-campaigns/No-Child-Car-Seat---No-Excuse/The-Law/

cormie · 07-12-2015 11:20AM

That's interesting alright, if I were a taxi driver it would be grand going 10kmph in city traffic, but I wouldn't feel too comfortable going any long distance and up with motorway speeds.

slimjimmc · 07-12-2015 05:17PM

harr wrote: »

I could be wrong but I don't think there is a legal obligation for taxis to provide child seats and I think a child can be carried in a taxi without one.

This link is for a child 3 and over not sure about under 3
http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Road-Safety/Campaigns/Current-road-safety-campaigns/No-Child-Car-Seat---No-Excuse/The-Law/

You're not wrong at all and your link confirms taxis are exempt even for under 3 year olds.

The specifics
For cars and goods vehicles (including MPV and SUVs):
Children under 3 can only travel in cars or goods vehicles if there are fitted with the appropriate child restraint. Taxis are exempt from this rule.

afatbollix · 07-12-2015 06:08PM

In New york you can order a cab with a car seat.

Maybe Uber should bring it in here.

Toddler on mothers lap in taxi.

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