Uber does not provide car seats, and you are responsible for bringing your own if you are traveling with a child
Uber's standard policy is that drivers do not supply car seats. If you are traveling with an infant or young child, you must bring an appropriate, properly installed car seat with you. The driver will not have one available, and Uber does not cover the cost of purchasing one for your trip.
This applies to all Uber service types — UberX, Uber Comfort, and others. The responsibility falls entirely on the parent or guardian to provide the correct seat for the child's age and weight, and to install it correctly before the ride begins.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your own car seat to any Uber ride if you are traveling with a child; drivers do not provide them.
- The car seat must meet your state's legal requirements for your child's age and weight, and must be properly installed before the ride starts.
- Some states have specific laws about car seats in rideshare vehicles, so check your state's rules before booking.
- If you do not have a car seat available, you will need to arrange alternative transportation or postpone the trip.
State laws vary on car seat requirements in rideshare vehicles
Most states do not have a specific law that exempts rideshare vehicles from standard car seat requirements. This means the same rules that apply to private vehicles — the age, weight, and height thresholds for car seats and booster seats — typically apply to Uber rides as well.
However, a few states have created exceptions or different standards for rideshare services. California, for example, has specific guidance that rideshare drivers are not required to provide car seats, but passengers are still expected to follow state child safety laws. New York and other states have similar positions. You should check your state's Department of Transportation or highway safety office website to confirm what the law requires in your area.
Even if your state does not strictly enforce car seat laws in rideshare vehicles, using one is the safest choice for your child. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends car seats for all children under 13 or under 57 inches tall, regardless of the vehicle type.
What to do if you need to travel with a child but do not have a car seat
If you do not own a car seat or do not have one with you, you have several options. The most straightforward is to reschedule your trip until you can bring a car seat with you. This is the safest and most legally sound choice.
If you need to travel immediately, you can purchase or rent a car seat. Many retailers sell affordable basic car seats, and some rental car companies will rent car seats for a daily or weekly fee. Some cities also have car seat lending libraries run by hospitals or nonprofits, though these typically require advance notice.
Another option is to use a different form of transportation — a taxi, a rental car with a car seat included, or a personal vehicle if you have access to one. Some parents also ask a friend or family member with a car seat to drive them instead.
How to properly install a car seat before your Uber ride
If you are bringing your own car seat, plan to arrive at the pickup location early so you have time to install it correctly. An improperly installed car seat can fail to protect your child in an accident, so this step matters.
Most car seats come with installation instructions specific to that model. You will typically thread the vehicle's seat belt through the car seat's slots and tighten it firmly, or use the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) if your car seat and the Uber vehicle both have it. The seat should not move more than an inch side to side or front to back when you push on it.
If you are unsure how to install your car seat, many fire departments and hospitals offer free installation checks. You can also watch the manufacturer's video or contact their customer service line. Do not rely on the Uber driver to help — they are not trained in car seat installation and may not know the correct method.
Communicating with your Uber driver about the car seat
When you book your Uber ride, you can add a note in the app letting the driver know you will have a car seat. This gives them a heads-up that the ride may take a few extra minutes to set up and that the back seat will be partially occupied.
When the driver arrives, let them know you need a moment to install the car seat before you leave. Most drivers are understanding about this, as they know it is a legal and safety requirement. If a driver seems impatient or unwilling to wait, you can cancel the ride and request a different driver.
Do not attempt to install a car seat while the vehicle is moving. The ride should not begin until the car seat is fully installed and your child is securely fastened into it.
Alternatives to Uber when traveling with young children
If you frequently travel with a young child and do not want to manage a car seat in a rideshare vehicle, other options may be more convenient. Rental car companies often allow you to rent a vehicle with a car seat already installed, though you will pay an additional daily fee for the seat.
Taxis in some cities are required to allow passengers to use their own car seats, and some taxi services have partnered with car seat rental companies. Lyft, Uber's main competitor, has the same car seat policy as Uber — drivers do not provide them, and you must bring your own.
If you are traveling to an airport or another location where you will need a vehicle for several hours or days, renting a car may be more practical than booking multiple Uber rides with a car seat in tow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hold my child in my lap instead of using a car seat in an Uber?
No. Most states have laws against holding a child in your lap while the vehicle is moving, and this is not permitted in Uber vehicles. You must use an appropriate car seat or booster seat for your child's age and weight. Holding a child during sudden stops or accidents provides no protection and can actually cause injury.
What if the Uber driver refuses to wait while I install the car seat?
You can cancel the ride through the app without penalty and request a different driver. You are not obligated to proceed with a ride if the driver is unwilling to allow you time to install safety equipment for your child. If this happens repeatedly, you can contact Uber support to report the issue.
Do I need a different car seat for Uber than I use in my own car?
No. The same car seat you use in your personal vehicle will work in an Uber. It must be the correct type and size for your child's age and weight, and it must be properly installed using the vehicle's seat belt or LATCH system, just as you would install it at home.
Are there any Uber services that provide car seats?
Standard Uber services do not provide car seats. Some cities have experimented with specialized services or partnerships, but these are not widely available. Check the Uber app in your area to see if any special options exist, but assume you will need to bring your own car seat.