Do You Need Child Car Seats for Taxis in the Philippines?
- litschkap
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read

Whether you're exploring the beaches of Palawan, the vibrant streets of Manila, or the natural beauty of Bohol, the Philippines is a warm and welcoming destination for families. But as a parent, it’s important to ask:Are child car seats required in taxis in the Philippines?
Here’s what the law says—and what you need to know to travel safely with kids.
What Does Philippine Law Say About Car Seats?
In 2021, the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act (Republic Act No. 11229) officially came into effect. It requires that:
Children aged 12 and below who are under 150 cm in height must use an appropriate child restraint system (CRS) in private motor vehicles.
Children are not allowed to sit in the front seat of a car if a CRS is required.
Violations can result in fines and penalties for drivers.
However, taxis and public utility vehicles (PUVs)—including Grab cars and ride-hailing services—were temporarily exempted from this requirement, due to challenges in implementation and limited CRS availability.
That means: It’s not currently illegal for taxis to transport children without car seats, but it is not the safest option, especially on busy or longer rides.
Do Taxis in the Philippines Provide Car Seats?
In practice, standard taxis and Grab drivers in cities like Manila, Cebu, or Davao do not carry child car seats. Even luxury or airport taxis generally don’t offer CRS unless arranged ahead of time.
While some car rental companies or private tour operators may offer child seats as extras, they’re not common—and you’ll often have to install them yourself.
So, unless you’re bringing your own seat, you’ll need to pre-book a car service that guarantees one.
The Safer Choice: Book a Taxi With a Child Car Seat in Advance
For peace of mind and better protection, the best option is to pre-book a taxi with the correct child car seat already installed.
At Taxibambino.com, we make it easy to book child-safe taxis in the Philippines, including:
Metro Manila
Cebu City
Davao
Bohol
Palawan (Puerto Princesa, El Nido)
You can choose:
Rear-facing infant seats
Forward-facing toddler seats
Booster seats for older kids
All partner drivers are vetted, and the car seat is installed prior to pickup—so your child is safe from the moment you step into the vehicle.
Is Renting a Car an Option in the Philippines?
Car rental is possible in major cities and tourist hubs, and some companies offer CRS on request. But navigating local traffic, narrow roads, and unpredictable driving habits can be difficult for foreigners.
That’s why a pre-booked taxi with a car seat is often the safer and more stress-free choice, especially for airport transfers or hotel pickups.
Family Travel Tips in the Philippines
Book your child-friendly taxi in advance, especially around holidays like Christmas or Holy Week
Provide your child’s age, height, and weight to ensure the right seat type
Request air conditioning, especially in the tropical heat
Avoid relying on on-demand taxis or Grab cars for car seats—they are not equipped
Safe, Happy Travels With Kids in the Philippines
With its island adventures, smiling faces, and kid-friendly culture, the Philippines is a fantastic destination for families. But whether you're heading to a resort or touring the islands, child safety on the road should always come first.
Visit Taxibambino.com to pre-book taxis with child car seats in the Philippines, and explore paradise with comfort, confidence, and care for the whole family.
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