Do You Need Child Car Seats for Taxis in South Africa?

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From the wildlife safaris of Kruger National Park to the scenic drives of Cape Town and the vibrant streets of Johannesburg, South Africa is a spectacular destination for families. But before hopping into a taxi or rideshare, it’s essential to ask: Are child car seats required in South Africa’s taxis?

Here’s what every parent should know to travel safely with children in South Africa.

What the Law Says About Car Seats in South Africa

According to South African road safety laws, children under the age of 3 must be transported in an appropriate child restraint system (car seat) when traveling in a motor vehicle. Children older than 3 must wear a seatbelt if a car seat is not available.

However, this law applies mainly to private vehicles, and enforcement in taxis and ride-hailing services remains inconsistent. Many taxis do not offer car seats, and drivers may not refuse rides to families without one—even though it may not be the safest choice for your child.

Do Taxis in South Africa Provide Car Seats?

In cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, and Pretoria, standard metered taxis and ride-hailing services (like Uber or Bolt) do not typically provide child car seats unless pre-arranged. If you’re arriving at an airport or hotel and need a child restraint system, you’ll likely need to bring your own or book a specialized family-friendly taxi service.

Some rideshare services offer booster seats upon request, but they’re not guaranteed and are not suitable for babies or toddlers.

The Safer Solution: Pre-Book a Taxi With Child Car Seats

To travel safely and avoid last-minute stress, the best choice is to pre-book a taxi with a certified child seat included, tailored to your child’s age and size.

At Taxibambino.com, we make it easy to find and book family-friendly taxi services with car seats across South Africa, including:

• Cape Town

• Johannesburg

• Durban

• Pretoria

You can request:

• Rear-facing infant seats

• Forward-facing toddler seats

• Booster seats for older children

All our partner drivers are vetted, and the car seat is properly installed before pickup—giving you peace of mind as soon as your journey begins.

Renting a Car in South Africa?

If you're planning a road trip or visiting remote areas, renting a car can be a great option. Most rental companies offer child car seats, but you’ll need to book them in advance and may be responsible for installation.

For city transfers, airport pickups, or hotel transport, a pre-booked taxi with a child seat is a safer and far more convenient option, especially if you're unfamiliar with South African driving conditions.

Family Travel Tips for South Africa

• Pre-book your taxi and child seat, especially during peak travel periods or holidays

• Share your child’s age, height, and weight to ensure the correct seat is arranged

• Request air conditioning—many parts of South Africa can get quite warm

• Avoid unlicensed taxis, and do not assume child seats are available unless pre-arranged

  
  

Safe, Comfortable Family Transport in South Africa

South Africa offers rich cultural experiences, unforgettable wildlife, and beautiful landscapes—but safety on the road should always come first, especially for your children.

Visit Taxibambino.com to pre-book taxis with child car seats in South Africa, and explore the country with the comfort and security your family deserves.