Child transportation in a car
According to current regulations, children whose height does not exceed 150 cm should travel in a special car seat. However, the Road Traffic Act specifies the following exemptions from this obligation:
- When the child weighs more than 36 kg and is at least 135 cm tall – in this case, transportation on the rear seat of the vehicle without a special booster is allowed.
- When three car seats do not fit on the rear seat – in this situation, the oldest child (at least 3 years old) can travel with just seat belts fastened.
- With a medical certificate indicating a contraindication to transporting the child in a safety seat.
- When the child is transported in a medical vehicle (ambulance).
Drivers traveling with small children must be aware that it is prohibited to transport children under 150 cm in height on the front seat without a car seat. Additionally, it is forbidden to transport children under 3 years old in vehicles without safety belts. Failure to comply with these regulations and exposing the youngest to danger during car travel can result in a fine of PLN 300. Starting from September 17, 2022, the driver will also be penalized with 5 (for incorrectly transporting one child), 10 (for two children), or 15 (for more than two children) penalty points.
Child in a taxi – what do the regulations say?
How do the regulations apply to licensed vehicles such as taxis and buses? Quite differently! Although an adult passenger has the same responsibilities in a taxi as in their own car (e.g., fastening seat belts), a child who, due to their height and weight, should normally be transported in a car seat, can ride without it in a taxi. These regulations can be found in Article 39 of the Road Traffic Act. The decision to exempt taxis from the obligation to transport children in a car seat is mainly due to the fact that taxi services are usually used in unplanned situations, without having a car seat on hand. The regulations also do not mention the use of a special booster, although the driver may suggest using a seat during the trip.
Car seat in an Uber taxi
Although transporting children without a car seat in a taxi is in accordance with Polish law, Uber encourages compliance with recommendations for safe travel with infants and young children. According to the Uber Community Guidelines, it is the passenger’s responsibility – not the driver’s – to provide a car seat during the ride with the youngest passengers. If the driver does not have a prepared car seat and does not feel comfortable without the appropriate booster, they have the right to politely refuse the ride.
Taxi with a car seat in FREE NOW
The issue of transporting a child in a car seat looks similar in another popular taxi application – FREE NOW. Usually, it is the passenger who provides adequate protection for their child. However, it is worth knowing that it is possible to order a ride with a car seat – just enter a request in the “message to the driver” section of the application. The order will be accepted by a driver who has the appropriate seat. It is advisable to order such a trip in advance – several hours or even a day in advance.
Taxi with a car seat and other questions
If you have any doubts related to the work of a driver, contact us! At Avalon Logistics Group, we not only help start a job as a taxi driver but also provide comprehensive support at every stage of cooperation. If you have additional questions, fill out the form on the website or call the phone number provided on it. You will find more practical advice, among others, in the article How to obtain a taxi license for your car?
