Clocktower Cars

How old do you Have to be to Ride a Taxi Alone in the UK?

How old to Ride a Taxi Alone in the UK? A complete guide to when children can ride alone in a taxi can be found here. A taxi is a convenient way to get home after working all day, exploring an unfamiliar city, or going from point A to point B. Today, people tend to book taxis for trips, whether they’re long-distance or short-distance, to make travel easier.

However, what about children? How old to Ride a Taxi Alone in the UK? What is the age limit for children who travel alone in a taxi without a parent or guardian? What are the rules and regulations regarding children riding alone in a taxi? This article aims to offer you all the information about how and when children can ride a taxi alone.

What is the Minimum Age for a Child to Ride Alone in a Taxi?

Although according to UK law, there is no age limit for riding a taxi alone. However, there are some precautions you need to be aware of before letting your children ride a taxi alone. In particular, children under 135 cm or 12 years old may not travel without the appropriate booster or child car seat. Therefore, they cannot ride in the front seat of a taxi without these precautions. This is why it is recommended for the child to sit at the back, although it is not strictly enforced.

Calling ahead may allow the taxi company to provide a booster seat, but if they won’t, make sure you arrange your baby’s car seat. However, if you are letting your kid ride alone in a taxi, ClockTower Cars offers free boosters with no hassle.

Is it Safe for Kids to Ride a Taxi Alone?

There is no risk involved, but you will need to take the following precautions:

• Make sure you book your taxi with a well-known and reliable company such as ClockTower Cars in the UK.
• It is always a good idea to check the identification of a driver and note down their badge number.
• If your guardian or parent is absent, please send the taxi plate number and driver’s badge number.
• If you’re alone, ask the driver to wait until you’re inside.

Tips for Parents sending your Child Alone in a Cab

When sending your child alone to a destination in a taxi, keep these precautions in mind:

• Ensure your child travels with a reputable, authentic, and reliable taxi service.
•  Provide all necessary items, such as a booster seat, food, and water.
• Use a GPS tracker or exchange a phone number with the taxi driver.

While the driver is responsible for safely transporting your child to their destination, it is not their job to parent or discipline them. You should not let your child ride in a taxi alone if you know they are likely to act up while travelling.

Do I need travel insurance for my children?

Although it is not a requirement, your child may travel alone if they are visiting family abroad. However, a children’s travel insurance policy that covers baggage, cancellations, and medical emergencies may be helpful in this situation.