GOV.UK Child car seats: the law
2. When a child can travel without a car seat
A child can travel without a child car seat in some circumstances.
Taxis and minicabs (private hire vehicles)
If the driver doesn’t provide the correct 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, coaches 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 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 seats are not fitted or are unsuitable
Vans
The rules for vans are the same as for cars.
Unexpected journeys
If the correct child 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 seat
Children under 3 must be in a child car seat. If there’s no room for a third child seat in the back of the vehicle, the child must travel in the front seat with the correct child seat.
Children aged 3 or older can sit in the back using an adult belt.
Vehicles without seat belts
Children under 3 must be in a child car seat. If there’s no seat belt, they can’t travel.
A child aged 3 or older can travel in a back seat without a car seat and without a seat belt if the vehicle doesn’t have one.