Different seat belt rules for children in taxis

CHILDREN under four years of age can be carried without seat belts in the rear of taxis — and yet the drivers will not be prosecuted or incur penalty points.

It has emerged that the new penalty point regulations on seat belts do not apply to taxi drivers in the same way they do to other motorists, the National Taxi Drivers Union and the Department of Transport confirmed yesterday.

Taxi drivers cannot refuse, on the basis that they may receive penalty points, to carry toddlers who are not restrained in baby seats.