Child Car Seat Rules in France for Taxis and Airport Transfers
In France, a child under 10 may legally ride in an official taxi without a car seat, under article R412-2 of the French Highway Code. That exemption is about the law, not safety: a fitted child seat is always safer. Paris Cab Service provides child seats and boosters free on its airport transfers, such as CDG to Disneyland Paris from €91.
- Taxi exemption: a child under 10 may travel in a taxi without a child restraint (article R412-2)
- Taxis do not have to carry child seats, so you cannot count on one at the rank
- Paris Cab Service: child seats and boosters free, give ages when booking
- Example: CDG → Disneyland Paris from €91, about 45 minutes, 50 km
- Booking online in about 2 minutes, free cancellation
What does French law say about child seats in taxis?
French law exempts taxis: a child under 10 may travel in a taxi without a child restraint system. This comes from article R412-2 of the French Highway Code, as explained in ministerial answers to the National Assembly. In most other cars, children under 10 must use a restraint suited to their size and weight.
The exemption exists because a taxi cannot carry every type of seat. It does not mean the ride is as safe without one. Rules for private hire vehicles are explained differently by different sources, so we do not rely on any exemption for them: simply ask for a seat when you book.
Why is a child seat still safer in a taxi or private car?
A child seat is safer because adult seat belts are designed for adult bodies. On a small child, the belt crosses the neck and stomach instead of the shoulder and hips, and a child held on a lap cannot be held back in a sudden stop.
Airport roads around Paris are fast motorways. A trip from Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG) or Paris-Orly airport (ORY) to Disneyland Paris lasts 45 to 50 minutes, long enough to want your child properly secured.
Which child seat for which age?
The right seat depends on your child's size more than on an exact birthday. In general terms:
- Babies: a rear-facing infant seat or carrier.
- Toddlers: a seat with an integrated harness, rear-facing as long as possible, then forward-facing.
- Older children: a booster seat, with or without a back, until the adult belt fits correctly.
European seats carry an approval label (R44 or R129, also called i-Size) that shows the size or weight range. Giving your children's ages and rough height when booking lets the right seat be prepared.
What should you ask when booking an airport transfer with kids?
Ask the company to confirm in writing that a seat suited to each child will be in the car. Then give:
- the number of children and their ages;
- the stroller, travel cot and suitcases you will bring;
- your flight number, so the pickup follows your real landing time.
With Paris Cab Service, seats and boosters are free and the fixed price does not change. Prices from are for 2 passengers and 2 bags; bigger families get a bigger vehicle at a fixed price shown before confirming.
How do you get from CDG to Disneyland Paris with a baby and a stroller?
From CDG you have three main options with a baby. A TGV high-speed train runs from the CDG 2 station to Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy, next to the parks. The Magical Shuttle coach goes to the Disney hotels at €24 per adult, €11 per child under 12, babies free (magicalshuttle.co.uk). A private car goes door to door with a free child seat, as detailed in our CDG to Disneyland Paris transfer guide. Prices checked in October 2026:
| Route | Price from | Time | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDG → Disneyland Paris | €91 | 45 min | 50 km |
| Orly → Disneyland Paris | €86 | 50 min | 55 km |
| Disneyland Paris → CDG | €78 | 45 min | 50 km |
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to hold a child on my lap in a French taxi?
Under article R412-2 of the French Highway Code, taxis are exempt, so a child under 10 may legally travel in a taxi without a child restraint. Holding a child on your lap still offers no protection in a sudden stop: the taxi exemption is about the law, not safety, and a fitted child seat is always safer.
Are child seats free with Paris Cab Service?
Yes. Paris Cab Service provides child seats and boosters free of charge on its private transfers, including airport transfers to Disneyland Paris. Give the children's ages when booking. The fixed price does not change, for example CDG to Disneyland Paris from €91 and Orly to Disneyland Paris from €86.
Until what age does a child need a car seat in France?
In France, children under 10 must normally travel in a child restraint suited to their size and weight, under article R412-2 of the Highway Code. Taxis are the exception to this rule. In practice, a booster is useful until the adult seat belt crosses the shoulder and hips correctly.
Do I need to bring my own car seat for a transfer in Paris?
Not with Paris Cab Service, which provides child seats and boosters free on its transfers, so you can leave a heavy seat at home. Many families still travel with their own seat; airlines often allow it as checked baggage, but check your airline's rules before you fly.
What should I tell the company when booking an airport transfer with a baby?
When booking an airport transfer with a baby, give the baby's age, the number of other children and their ages, the stroller and every suitcase, and your flight number. This lets the right seat and vehicle be prepared and lets the driver follow your real landing time.
Book a family transfer with free child seats
Book the CDG to Disneyland Paris transfer or the Orly to Disneyland Paris transfer and add your children's ages. Arriving at Orly with a toddler? Read Orly to Disneyland with a toddler.