Motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death among young children, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many of these deaths can be prevented using child restraints, including safety seats or booster seats, so all states have laws that regulate the use of these devices. However, these laws do not normally apply when hiring car services, including taxis.

Rules and exceptions

All states have laws that require the use of child restraint systems, safety seats, and booster seats. For example, the state of Maryland requires that any child under the age of eight must be in a child restraint while traveling in a car unless the child is more than 4 feet 9 inches tall and weighs more than 65 pounds. , according to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

However, taxis in Maryland and other states are specifically exempt from this requirement. Taxi operators are not required to transport children in car seats.

Seat use

Although taxi operators are generally exempt from offering car safety seats for children or withholding requirements, require passengers to wear seat belts while driving. In addition, although the taxi operator has no obligation to provide or use the seat, passengers can bring their own car seats, which the taxi driver must allow and install them in the cabin.

Penalties

In at least one state, Massachusetts, the law requires that children be properly restrained in any vehicle, including taxis. However, the US $ 25 fine imposed for a violation does not apply against the taxi driver, but against the father. If the taxi operator does not facilitate child restraint, it is up to the parents or the person traveling with the child to do it that way. This is a primary law in Massachusetts, that is, a police officer can stop any car in which a child is not properly restrained.