What are the rules regarding kids and seatbelts within Rideshare / Omnibus vehicles ?
Let us explain …………………………..
My Getaway Driver operate under the Omnibus rules and regulations and as such, do not have to carry / use child seats within our vehicles when we do Airport Transfers etc
We do however extend to customers that they can use their own childseats within our vehicles and if travelling abroad, these childseats can be kept with us for safe keeping until they return and have the same driver / vehicle and their own childseats waiting for them to use on the return trip.
Under WA law, all drivers and passengers are required to wear a seat belt. Passengers under the age of 16 must be appropriately restrained according to the seatbelt rules of the state.
In WA, on 26th June 2018, the Road Safety Commission is updating the laws regarding child restraints for taxi / Rideshare / omnibus drivers.
Drivers will be responsible for ensuring passengers aged one to seven years old are restrained appropriately in adult seat belts if children seats are not available. Omnibus licence holders will be liable to be penalised if they do not ensure all children under seven are restrained appropriately in their vehicle.
Children under the age of one are able to be held by a caregiver who is over 16 years of age and not in the front seat of the vehicle.
In vehicles with multiple rows of seats, children under the age of seven must sit in the rear of vehicle unless all other seats are filled with other passengers under the age of seven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to carry seats in my vehicle ?
No. In other cities around the world there are products that do require you to have a child seat but here in Perth these products do not currently exist. If you do have a child seat that you would like to make available to your riders, please store this in the boot of your car so you can still accommodate a full car of adult riders and can access the child seat if/when needed.
What if the Child under 7 refuses to put on the adult seat belt ?
This responsibility falls down to the parents of the child and if the child will not wear the seatbelt or sit still, then due to safety regulations, the trip / booking will have to be terminated.
Under Rideshare / Omnibus regulations, all riders and driver-partners are expected to follow relevant road rules – such as wearing seat belts.
If a rider will not wear a seat belt, remind them that it is a legal requirement and that you cannot drive until their seat belt is securely buckled. If they still refuse to wear a seat belt, the Department Of Transport recommend you cancel the trip. Customers will be liable for the cost of the cancelled trip.
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