Are car seats compulsory in taxis and VTCs (private hire cars) in France?
Short answer
In a VTC, yes: the French Highway Code requires every child under 10 to travel in an approved car seat or booster suited to their build and weight. Only taxis and public transport vehicles are exempt (article R412-2); a VTC or private chauffeur is not. At Precellence Service, the seat is free, on request when you book.
In detail
The taxi exemption does not make the ride any safer: it only releases the taxi from the obligation. Failing to restrain a child in a suitable seat is a fourth-class offence. Under 10, a child may not travel in the front either, except in a rear-facing seat with the front airbag switched off (article R412-3).
In practice: an infant seat from birth to 2 years (up to 13 kg), a booster seat from 15 kg or 100 cm tall (R44 / R129 standards). When you book, give the age of each child: in a V-Class, up to 2 child or booster seats and 1 infant seat; in a saloon, a booster is provided without difficulty, a child or infant seat subject to availability.
The seat is fitted before you arrive and the price does not change: €159 between CDG and Paris in a V-Class, for the whole family.
Find out more: Family chauffeur and car seats
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