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No law requires a car seat in a NYC taxi or livery. New York's child restraint law, Vehicle and Traffic Law §1229-c, says its car-seat and booster rules (subdivisions 1, 2, 3 and 3-a) do not apply to taxis and liveries. But two things still apply: passengers 8 and older must be belted, and passengers may bring their own car seats — TLC says so on its passenger FAQ. As a driver, you must let them install it.
What applies, by age
Why riders hear different answers
TLC's own FAQ reminds passengers that New York State law requires children under 4 to ride in child safety seats and children to use restraint systems until their 8th birthday. That is the general rule for cars. The statute's subdivision 9(b) then carves out taxis and liveries from those specific subdivisions. Both statements come from official sources; the difference is whether the vehicle is a taxi or livery. If a parent asks you, the honest answer is: the seat is not legally required in a taxi, they are welcome to use one, and you will wait while they install it.
Does "livery" include Uber and Lyft?
The law exempts "taxis and liveries." VTL §121-e defines a livery as every motor vehicle, other than a taxicab or a bus, used in the business of transporting passengers for compensation (not counting vehicles rented without a driver). On its face that covers TLC for-hire vehicles, including black cars used for app trips. We have not found an official TLC page that states this for app trips specifically, so read it as general information, not a guarantee. Some car services offer car seats on request; TLC's FAQ mentions that a number of NYC car services do.
What drivers must do
- Allow the seat. TLC says passengers may bring and use their own car seats and boosters. Give the parent time to install it, and stay courteous (80-15(i)).
- Do not refuse the family. Refusing because of a car seat, stroller or bags risks a refusal charge: rule 80-20(a)(3) bars refusing a passenger's luggage or other property, and refusals carry mandatory penalties. See service refusal rules.
- Keep belts working. Rule 80-22(b) requires you to check that passenger seat belts and shoulder belts are in good working order before driving. A child seat cannot be installed without a working belt. Belts are also checked at vehicle inspection.
- Count correctly. In a taxi or green cab, a child under 7 on an adult's lap in the back is an extra passenger you must accept — see how many passengers can ride in a NYC taxi.
Safety still matters
An exemption from a law is not a safety rating. A child held on a lap or riding without a seat is not protected the way a properly installed seat protects them. If a parent asks you to wait while they install a seat, waiting is the right call.
App drivers can find more in rules for Uber and Lyft drivers. If a passenger later complains about how a family was treated, see the passenger complaint process.
Frequently asked questions
Is a car seat legally required in a NYC yellow cab?
No. NY Vehicle and Traffic Law §1229-c(9)(b) says the child restraint subdivisions (1, 2, 3 and 3-a) do not apply to taxis and liveries. TLC says passengers may bring and use their own seats, and using one is the safer choice.
Does the exemption cover Uber, Lyft and black cars?
The statute exempts 'taxis and liveries.' VTL §121-e defines a livery as any motor vehicle other than a taxicab or bus used in the business of transporting passengers for compensation, which on its face covers for-hire vehicles. We have not found an official TLC statement applying this to app trips specifically, so treat it as general information.
Do children in a taxi have to wear seat belts?
From age 8, yes. VTL §1229-c(3-c) requires passengers aged 8 to under 16 in a taxi or livery to be restrained, and passengers 16 and older to wear a seat belt. The operator must also wear one.
Who gets the ticket if a child is not belted?
Under §1229-c(3-c), a summons for a passenger aged 8 to under 16 goes to a parent or guardian who is at least 18 and present, not to the child. Drivers must keep the belts working under TLC rule 80-22(b).
Can I refuse a family because they brought a car seat or stroller?
No. TLC says passengers may bring and use their own car seats. Rule 80-20(a)(3) bars refusing to transport a passenger's luggage or other property, and refusals carry mandatory penalties.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- NY Vehicle and Traffic Law §1229-c (child restraints; taxi and livery exemption) nysenate.gov
- NY Vehicle and Traffic Law §121-e (definition of livery) nysenate.gov
- TLC: Passenger Frequently Asked Questions (car seats) nyc.gov
- TLC Rules, Chapter 80: Drivers (§80-15(e), §80-20, §80-22(b)) nyc.gov
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TLC Help is not a law firm and is not affiliated with the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission or OATH. Explanations on this site are general information, not legal advice. Legal representation is provided by independent attorneys and OATH-registered representatives in our network.