There is uncertainty regarding whether ride-sharing services like Uber are legitimate taxis due to the proliferation of these services worldwide. The solution is not as simple as one may believe. Uber is regarded as a legitimate taxi service in some nations but not in others.
Uber is regarded as a legitimate taxi service in Australia, and its drivers are subject to the same laws as taxi drivers. They must comply with a police check, have a registered and insured car, and have a valid driver’s license. To operate as a ridesharing service, Uber drivers also need a specific license.
In Australia, there are certain regulations that apply to both taxis and ridesharing services when it comes to transporting minors. Children must be restrained in a rear-facing child seat or booster seat for children under the age of one and for children between the ages of one and seven. While children between the ages of seven and sixteen can wear an adult seatbelt, it is still advised that they utilize a booster seat until they are tall enough to do so. There is no established legal age limit in Australia for the possibility of a youngster riding alone in a taxi. However, it is advised against letting children under the age of 12 ride in a taxi alone. Before permitting their child to go in a taxi alone, parents should use caution and assess the child’s maturity and safety.
Children under the age of four are not permitted in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows of seating. If all other seats are taken by children under the age of seven, children between the ages of four and seven may sit in the front seat. Children under the age of 12 are advised to ride in the rear seat, as it is the safest position for them to travel in.
In Australia, Uber is regarded as a legitimate taxi service and is subject to the same laws as licensed taxi drivers. It’s crucial to adhere to the precise guidelines for child restraints and seating arrangements while flying with kids. When letting their child ride alone in a taxi, parents should exercise caution.
Infants should not be in a car seat for longer than two hours at a time, regardless of age, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. It’s crucial to take breaks and let the infant move around and stretch outside of the car seat.