What are the laws/rules for kids in NYC taxis?

[MarisaSF]

Last time I was in NYC, I just took the subway with the kids. I had no interest in toting carseats or restraining gadgets around. I believe, however, that I saw a mom get into a cab with a small child/baby with nothing. I assume she was just holding him.

I know NYPD has more things on their plate than to police taxicab riders. Are restraints required by law, but not always used for convenience reasons?

At what age/size can a child sit in the backseat of a cab with just a seatbelt?

[buddyleebaby]

NYC taxis are exempt from car seat laws.
That being said, the drivers are insane and I would still try to take the subway whenever possible.

[hillview]

Found a couple of links
http://babyproducts.about.com/od/statecarseatlaws/qt/newyorkcps.htm
and
http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=22692
and
http://www.safeny.com/sesa-ndx.htm#under

Seems that officially no you don't need a car seat. Obviously that is insane.
/hillary

[jhrabosk]

Here's a good link from a NYC CPST about using taxis as safely as possible:
http://www.thecarseatlady.com/taxis/using_taxis.html