Transportation regulations for children in taxis and rideshare vehicles vary across Canada. Understanding when car seats are required in taxis in 2025 is important for parents and caregivers to ensure child passenger safety and compliance with provincial laws.
Do Taxis Have Car Seats in Canada?
Generally, no. Standard taxi vehicles in Canada are not required to carry child car seats. This is because taxis are exempt from many child restraint requirements in most provinces. However, rideshare services have different rules in some jurisdictions.
Child Car Seat Requirements in Taxis — By Province
Canada Taxi Child Seat Rules — 2025
| Province | Taxi Exemption? | Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Yes — taxis exempt | No — must use proper restraint |
| British Columbia | Yes — taxis exempt | No — must use proper restraint |
| Quebec | Yes — taxis exempt | Generally exempt |
| Alberta | Yes — taxis exempt | No — must use proper restraint |
| Manitoba | Yes — taxis exempt | Generally exempt |
Ontario Taxi Car Seat Rules
In Ontario, taxis are exempt from the provinces child car seat requirements under the Highway Traffic Act. This means:
- Children under a certain weight/height may legally travel in a taxi without a car seat
- The exemption applies to taxis licensed under municipal taxi bylaws
- Rideshare vehicles are generally NOT covered by this exemption in Ontario
Even where legally exempt, Transport Canada and safety experts recommend using appropriate child restraints whenever possible.
British Columbia Taxi Car Seat Rules
BC's Motor Vehicle Act also provides taxi exemptions from child car seat requirements. However:
- Rideshare drivers in BC must ensure proper child restraint use
- Municipal by-laws may have additional requirements
- Safety recommendations still favour proper child restraints
Do You Need a Car Seat for a Taxi?
Recommendations by age and weight:
- Infants (under 20 lbs / 9 kg): Rear-facing car seat — strongly recommended even in exempt taxis
- Toddlers (20-40 lbs / 9-18 kg): Forward-facing car seat — strongly recommended
- Booster seats (40-80 lbs / 18-36 kg): Booster with seat belt — recommended
- Seat belt (80+ lbs / 36+ kg): Standard seat belt acceptable
Tips for Parents Using Taxis with Children
- Bring your own car seat: Most taxis will allow you to install your own car seat
- Check with the taxi company: Some companies have car seats available on request
- Rideshare options: Some rideshare services in Canada now offer car seat-equipped vehicles
- Plan ahead: For airport trips with children, pre-arrange appropriate transportation
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Child passenger safety laws and exemptions vary by municipality and change frequently. Verify current rules with your provincial transportation authority.