An estimated 500 taxis drove from Sydney Airport to the city on Monday morning to protest against a new law requiring drivers to wear seatbelts.

The drivers claim the law, which takes effect on Monday, leaves them more vulnerable to being attacked by passengers.

The president of the NSW Taxi Drivers Association, Anne Turner, said it was sad that the drivers' message had to be heard through the media instead of in numerous attempts to talk to the government about the laws.

"They're not listening to our voice. We want our drivers to escape freely if and when they are attacked by passengers," Ms Turner said.