Passengers in taxis are usually in a rear seat. Seatbelt use for back seat passengers in private autos is almost never required by state law. So, back seat passengers don't as a rule wear them.

It is a common misconception that taxi drivers "remove" seatbelts; in fact, it is illegal in almost every jurisdiction for a vehicle manufacturer or owner to remove factory-installed safety equipment. However, in many developing nations or older fleets, seatbelts may be tucked under the seat covers or pushed behind the bench to make the interior look "cleaner" or to prevent the buckles from poking passengers. In some regions, drivers believe that seatbelts interfere with a quick exit in the event of an attempted robbery. In 2026, most modern taxi regulations—especially for app-based services like Uber—mandate that all seatbelts be visible and functional. If you enter a taxi where the belt is missing, it is likely a sign of poor maintenance or an older vehicle that has not been properly inspected, rather than a deliberate "removal" for any officially sanctioned reason.