Uber does not provide car seats in standard rides, and you cannot request one through the app
When you book an Uber, the driver arrives with a regular passenger vehicle. No car seat is installed, and Uber does not stock or deliver them. If you need to travel with a child, you must bring your own car seat and install it yourself before the ride begins, or use Uber's car seat rental service in select cities.
This matters because most states legally require children under a certain age or weight to ride in a car seat. Traveling without one—even for a short trip—violates state law and puts your child at risk. Understanding your actual options before you need a ride prevents scrambling at the last minute.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Uber rides do not include car seats; you must bring and install your own if your child needs one.
- Uber Car Seat is available in some cities and lets you rent an installed car seat for the duration of your ride, though availability and pricing vary by location.
- Installing a car seat yourself in an Uber takes 5 to 10 minutes and requires knowing your state's car seat laws for your child's age and weight.
- If you do not have a car seat with you, calling a taxi company or asking a friend with a car may be faster than waiting for Uber Car Seat availability.
How Uber Car Seat works in available cities
Uber Car Seat is a separate service option that appears in the Uber app only in cities where it operates. When you open the app, you see it as a ride type alongside UberX and Uber Eats—not as an add-on to a regular ride. You select it, the app shows you the price, and a driver with a pre-installed car seat arrives.
The car seat is already buckled into the vehicle when the driver picks you up. You do not install it yourself. The driver has been trained on the service and the seat is checked regularly, though Uber does not publish details on inspection frequency or standards. The ride costs more than a standard Uber—the exact amount depends on your city and current demand.
Availability is limited. Uber Car Seat operates in cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Washington D.C., but not nationwide. Even in those cities, the service may not be available at all hours or may show no cars available during peak times. Check your app to see if the option appears in your area; if it does not, the service is not running there.
Installing your own car seat in an Uber
If Uber Car Seat is not available in your city or no cars are available when you need one, you can bring your own car seat and install it in the Uber. This is legal and common. Arrive at pickup with the car seat in hand, and let the driver know you need a few minutes to install it before you leave.
Installation takes 5 to 10 minutes depending on your car seat type and how familiar you are with it. Use the vehicle's seat belt or LATCH system (the anchors built into most cars made after 2002) to secure the seat. Make sure the seat is tight—it should not move more than an inch side to side or front to back. If you are unsure whether you have installed it correctly, many fire departments and hospitals offer free car seat inspections.
The driver may feel uncomfortable with the delay or the installation process. Be polite and direct: explain that you need the car seat for legal and safety reasons. Most drivers will wait. If a driver refuses or becomes hostile, cancel the ride and request another one. You are not breaking any rule by bringing a car seat into an Uber.
State car seat laws and what they require
Every state has its own car seat law, and they differ on age, weight, and height thresholds. Most states require a rear-facing car seat for children under age 2 or under 30 pounds. Forward-facing seats are typically required from age 2 until age 6 or 60 pounds, depending on the state. Booster seats are usually required until age 8 or 80 pounds.
Check your state's specific law before you travel. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website has a state-by-state breakdown. Knowing the rule matters because if you are stopped by police while riding in an Uber without the required car seat, you—not the driver—are responsible for the violation. Fines range from $50 to $500 depending on the state and whether it is a first offense.
Some states allow exceptions for taxis or ride-share vehicles, but most do not. A few states exempt ride-share from car seat requirements in certain situations, but this is rare and changes. Do not assume your state has an exemption; look it up before you book.
Alternatives if you cannot use Uber with a car seat
If Uber Car Seat is not available and you do not have your own car seat with you, other options exist. Many taxi companies keep car seats on hand or can deliver one to your location. Call ahead to ask whether they have one available and what the cost is. Taxi rides are often more expensive than Uber, but the car seat may already be installed, saving you time.
Asking a friend or family member to drive you is another route if the trip is not urgent. If you are traveling with luggage or multiple children, renting a car for the day and driving yourself may be cheaper and simpler than coordinating multiple Ubers or taxis with car seats.
If you travel frequently with a child, buying a portable car seat designed for travel is worth considering. These seats are lighter and more compact than standard ones, fold up for storage, and can be installed quickly. They cost $100 to $300 but pay for themselves after a few trips if you would otherwise rent or pay premium fares.
What to do if your Uber driver does not have a working car seat
If you book Uber Car Seat and the driver arrives with a broken, dirty, or incorrectly installed seat, cancel the ride. Do not use it. Request another Uber Car Seat vehicle or choose a different transportation method. Report the issue to Uber through the app after the ride is cancelled so the company can inspect the vehicle.
Uber's support team can be reached through the app under "Help." Describe what was wrong with the car seat and include the date and time of the cancelled ride. The company does not always respond quickly, but reporting problems creates a record and may prevent the issue from affecting other passengers.
Planning ahead when traveling with children
If you know you will need to travel by Uber with a child, plan the night before. Check whether Uber Car Seat is available in your area and at what price. If it is not available, decide whether you will bring your own car seat, rent a car, or use a taxi. If you are flying to a new city, ask whether your hotel can provide or recommend a car seat rental service—many hotels partner with local companies that deliver to your room.
Do not wait until you are at the airport or leaving a restaurant to figure this out. Car seat services can be booked out during busy times, and showing up without a plan forces you to choose between breaking the law or paying a premium for last-minute options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a booster seat instead of a car seat in an Uber?
It depends on your state's law and your child's age and weight. Most states allow booster seats for children ages 6 to 8 or weighing 60 to 80 pounds. Check your state's specific requirements before you book. Booster seats are easier to install than car seats and take up less space, so they may be a practical option if your child meets the age and weight threshold.
What if I am traveling with a newborn and Uber Car Seat is not available?
Newborns require rear-facing car seats, which are bulky and cannot be quickly installed. If Uber Car Seat is not available, your best options are renting a car and driving yourself, using a taxi company that provides car seats, or asking a friend to drive. Do not travel by Uber without a proper car seat for a newborn—it is illegal and unsafe.
Does Uber Car Seat work for all ages of children?
Uber Car Seat typically provides forward-facing seats suitable for children ages 2 to 6 or weighing 30 to 65 pounds. If your child is younger or heavier, check the app or contact Uber support to confirm what size seat is available in your area. Infants and very large children may not have an option through Uber Car Seat.
Can I bring a car seat from home on an airplane and use it in an Uber?
Yes. You can check a car seat as luggage on most airlines for free or a small fee. Bring it with you to your destination and install it in an Uber the same way you would at home. This is often cheaper than renting a car seat locally, especially if you are staying for several days.
What happens if I get pulled over in an Uber without a car seat?
You are responsible for the violation, not the driver. You will receive a ticket and a fine, which varies by state but typically ranges from $50 to $500. The violation may also affect your driving record. Always use the required car seat for your child's age and weight, even in a ride-share vehicle.