Uber does not provide car seats, and drivers are not required to have them
When you book an Uber, the vehicle that arrives will not have a car seat installed unless you bring one yourself. Uber's policy does not require drivers to stock or maintain car seats for passengers. If you are traveling with a child who needs a car seat by law, you have three options: bring your own car seat and install it in the vehicle, use Uber's car seat rental service where available, or book a different ride type that includes car seats.
The legal requirement for a car seat depends on your state and the child's age and weight. Most states require children under age 8 or under 57 pounds to sit in a car seat or booster seat. Some states have different thresholds. Because Uber drivers are not responsible for providing these seats, the responsibility falls entirely on you as the passenger.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Uber rides do not come with car seats, and drivers have no obligation to provide them.
- You can bring your own car seat and install it yourself, though this takes time and requires the driver to wait.
- Uber Car Seat is available in some cities and lets you rent an installed car seat for the ride; you book it through the app and pay an additional fee.
- Your state's car seat laws explore inside an Uber just as they do in any other vehicle, and you are responsible for compliance.
- If you frequently travel with a child, comparing the cost of car seat rentals to other options like taxis or car services may save money.
Bringing your own car seat and installing it yourself
If you own a car seat, you can bring it with you and install it in the Uber. This is free but requires you to arrive early enough to complete the installation before the ride begins. Most car seats take 5 to 10 minutes to install properly, depending on the model and the vehicle's seat configuration.
When you book the ride, let the driver know in the pickup notes that you will need time to install a car seat. Some drivers will wait; others may cancel if they see the delay coming. If a driver cancels after you have requested the ride, you can request another one and repeat the process. This method works best when you are not in a hurry and have a car seat that you use regularly.
Installing a car seat correctly matters for safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides installation guides for most car seat models, and many fire departments and hospitals offer free installation checks. If you are unsure whether your car seat is installed correctly in an Uber, you can ask a technician to check it before you travel.
Uber Car Seat: Renting a car seat through the app
Uber Car Seat is a service that delivers an installed car seat to you when your Uber arrives. You book it through the Uber app by selecting the car seat option at the time you request a ride. The service is available in select cities, and the cost varies by location but typically ranges from $10 to $15 per ride in addition to your regular Uber fare.
When you select this option, the driver assigned to your ride will have a car seat already installed in the vehicle. You do not need to bring your own seat or spend time installing one. The car seat is removed after your ride ends, so you do not take it with you. This option is most useful for occasional trips or when you are traveling without your own car seat.
Availability is limited. Uber Car Seat is not offered in all cities or at all times of day. You can check whether it is available in your area by opening the Uber app, entering your pickup and dropoff locations, and looking at the ride options shown. If the car seat option does not appear, it is not currently available for your route or time.
What car seat laws require in your state
Car seat requirements vary by state. Most states require children under age 8 to use a car seat or booster seat, but some states set the age at 7, and a few extend it to age 9. Weight thresholds also differ: some states require a car seat until a child reaches 40 pounds, others until 60 pounds. A few states have different rules for car seats versus booster seats.
You are responsible for knowing your state's law and following it inside an Uber. The driver is not responsible for enforcing the law or checking whether a child is in the correct seat. If you are stopped by police and a child is not in the required car seat, you can be cited and fined, regardless of whether you are in your own car or a ride-share vehicle. The fine amounts vary widely by state, from under $100 to over $500 for a first offense.
To find your state's specific requirements, search "[your state] car seat laws" or visit the NHTSA website, which lists requirements for all 50 states. If you are traveling to another state with a child, check that state's laws before you arrive, because they may differ from your home state.
Comparing costs: Car seat rental versus other options
If you travel with a child regularly, the cost of renting a car seat through Uber can add up. A single Uber Car Seat rental costs $10 to $15, so five trips per week would cost $50 to $75 per week, or roughly $200 to $300 per month. Over a year, that reaches $2,400 to $3,600.
Other options may be cheaper depending on your situation. Buying your own car seat costs $100 to $400 upfront but has no per-trip cost after that. If you own a car, installing your own seat in an Uber takes the same time as in your own vehicle. Some cities offer taxi services or car services that include car seats as a standard feature, and their per-trip cost may be lower than Uber plus car seat rental. Comparing these options against your actual travel frequency helps you decide which method makes sense for your budget.
What happens if you do not use a car seat
Traveling without a required car seat is illegal in all 50 states. If you are stopped by police during an Uber ride and a child is not in the required seat, you can be cited. The driver is not typically held responsible for a passenger's violation, but you as the adult passenger are. Fines range from $50 to over $500 depending on the state and whether it is a first or repeat offense.
Beyond legal risk, a car seat serves a safety purpose. In a crash or sudden stop, a car seat is designed to protect a child's head, neck, and spine. An unrestrained child can be thrown forward or sideways, causing serious injury. This risk exists in an Uber just as it does in any vehicle. Whether you choose to bring your own seat, rent one through Uber, or use another method, using the correct seat for your child's age and weight is the safest choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a car seat I borrowed from someone else?
Yes, you can use any car seat as long as it is appropriate for your child's age and weight and is installed correctly. Make sure the seat is not expired — car seats typically have a lifespan of 6 to 10 years printed on a label on the back — and that it has not been in a crash, which can damage the internal structure even if there is no visible damage.
What if the Uber driver refuses to wait while I install a car seat?
The driver can cancel the ride if they do not want to wait. You can then request another Uber and note in the pickup instructions that you need time to install a car seat. Some drivers will accept this; others will not. If you frequently need to install a car seat, using Uber Car Seat where available may be faster and more reliable.
Does Uber Car Seat work with all types of car seats?
Uber Car Seat is a specific car seat model that Uber provides and installs. You do not choose the type or model — the driver arrives with the seat already in place. It is designed to meet federal safety standards and work for children within a certain age and weight range, typically infants through toddlers, but check the app in your area for the exact specifications.
Can I request an Uber without a car seat if I promise to hold my child?
Holding a child in your lap does not meet your state's car seat law. In a crash or sudden stop, you cannot hold a child securely enough to prevent injury. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited for violating car seat laws. Uber's terms of service also require that passengers follow all applicable laws, which includes car seat requirements.
What if Uber Car Seat is not available in my city?
You have two options: bring your own car seat and install it yourself, or use a different transportation method. Some taxi companies and car services in your area may offer car seats as a standard feature. You can also contact your local car rental company to see whether they rent vehicles with car seats already installed, which you could then drive yourself.