Because a taxi car is no different in design then a regular car. It is not against the law for a child to go in a taxi with a driver for hire without a car seat, but if the driver has a child they are transporting for school or personal reasons, they must have a seat. Why is a passenger for hire able to put a child in danger, but not the school board or someone bringing their own child in a car when it is not a taxi car? Make this illegal!

Statement from MTO website:

"Taxi drivers are exempt from the child car seat and booster seat requirements when transporting a passenger for hire.  However, taxicab drivers transporting children for personal reasons or those that operate a taxi while under contract with a school board or other authority for the transportation of children are required to comply with the child car seat and booster seat requirements."

Statement from the MTO in an email when I askd about this law:

"

Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA), s. 106 (4), puts full responsibility on drivers for ensuring a child under the age of eight is properly restrained in a child car seat.  Taxi drivers are exempt from this requirement as per HTA, Regulation 613, s. 8.1.  The taxi driver exemption does not by default transfer responsibility to the parent who is riding as a passenger.  The purpose of this exemption is to ensure parents are not stranded if a taxi not equipped with a child car seat is the only option for transportation.

That being said, the safest way to transport small children is to properly secure them in a child car seat.  We encourage parents to use their child car seat when travelling in a taxi making sure the seat is properly installed.  Some taxi companies allow parents to install their child’s car seat in their taxis, and some will even provide the correct child car seat if arrangements are made before the child is picked up.  It is best to call first to see what services are provided if you are considering one of these options."

A taxi is STILL A CAR! This should be ILLIGAL! A child is STILL in DANGER when riding in a taxi with out proper restraint, they will still risk ingjury or even death in an accident! And if this happens, the parent is the one held responcible for any injury the child incurres! This was a direct statement from a government worker. As well, even the MTO says it is better to usw a child seat!