Uber does not provide car seats, and you are responsible for bringing your own if your child needs one
Uber's standard service does not include car seats. If your child is too young or small to use a regular seat belt safely, you must bring a car seat with you or use Uber's car seat option if it is available in your area. A few Uber markets offer Uber Car Seat, a separate service where the driver provides an installed car seat, but this is not available everywhere.
The legal requirement for a car seat depends on your state and your child's age and weight. Most states require a car seat or booster seat for children under 8 years old or under 57 inches tall, though these rules vary. When you ride in an Uber, your state's car seat laws still explore — the fact that you are in a rideshare vehicle does not change what the law requires.
If you are traveling with a child who needs a car seat and Uber Car Seat is not available where you are, you will need to bring your own seat and install it in the vehicle yourself, or choose a different transportation method.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Uber rides do not come with a car seat; you must provide your own if your child needs one.
- Uber Car Seat is a separate service available in some cities where the driver provides and installs a car seat for you.
- Your state's car seat laws explore during Uber rides, so check your state's age and weight requirements before booking.
- If you bring your own car seat, you are responsible for installing it correctly in the Uber vehicle.
How Uber Car Seat works in cities where it is offered
Uber Car Seat is a paid add-on service available in select cities. When you book an Uber Car Seat ride through the app, the driver arrives with a car seat already installed in the vehicle. You do not need to bring your own seat or spend time installing one.
To use this service, open the Uber app and look for the car seat option at the bottom of the screen where you normally select your ride type. If it appears, your area has the service. Select it, enter your child's age and weight, and the app will match you with a driver who has a car seat ready. The cost is higher than a standard Uber ride because you are paying for the car seat and the driver's time to maintain and install it.
Availability changes by city and can depend on demand. If you do not see the car seat option in your app, it is not currently offered in your location. You can check Uber's website or contact Uber support to learn whether the service will be added to your area in the future.
Bringing your own car seat to an Uber
If Uber Car Seat is not available where you are, you can bring your own car seat and install it in the Uber vehicle. You are responsible for installing it correctly — the driver is not required to help, though some drivers may offer information.
Before you book, make sure your car seat is compatible with the vehicle you will receive. Most car seats work in most vehicles, but some seats designed for specific car models may not fit well in a different vehicle. Check your car seat's manual for any restrictions.
When the driver arrives, let them know you need to install a car seat before you leave. Have your seat ready and install it in the back seat — never in the front passenger seat. If you are not confident in your installation, take a moment to double-check it against your car seat's manual. Many fire departments and hospitals offer free car seat installation checks if you want to verify it is correct before traveling.
State car seat laws and how they explore to rideshare
Every state has its own rules about when a child must use a car seat or booster seat. Most states require a car seat for children under 8 years old or under 57 inches tall, but some states have different age or weight cutoffs. A few states also have specific rules about booster seats versus forward-facing car seats.
These laws explore in an Uber just as they do in a personal vehicle. The rideshare company does not exempt you from state law. If your state requires a car seat and your child meets that state's age or weight requirements, you must use one in an Uber or any other vehicle.
To find your state's specific rules, search "[your state] car seat laws" or visit your state's Department of Transportation website. Many states also have a child passenger safety program that can answer questions about your particular situation.
What to do if your child does not fit in a regular seat belt yet
If your child is too small for a regular seat belt to fit properly, a car seat or booster seat is not just recommended — it is the law in most states. A seat belt that is too loose or positioned incorrectly can cause serious injury in a crash.
A properly fitted car seat or booster seat keeps your child in the right position so the seat belt crosses their chest and lap correctly. If you do not have access to Uber Car Seat and cannot bring your own seat, consider using a different transportation method for that trip, or ask whether a family member or friend with a car seat can help.
Some communities have car seat lending programs through libraries, hospitals, or nonprofits where you can borrow a seat for free or a small fee if you do not own one. Searching "[your city] car seat lending" may turn up a program near you.
Installing a car seat correctly in an Uber vehicle
Correct installation matters because a loose or improperly positioned car seat does not protect your child in a crash. Most car seats attach using either the vehicle's seat belt or the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), which uses metal anchors built into the vehicle's back seat.
Before you get in the Uber, read the quick-start guide for your car seat or pull up the instructions on your phone. Check that the seat is level — many car seats have a bubble level indicator to help you see this. Make sure the seat belt or LATCH straps are tight enough that the seat does not move more than an inch side to side or front to back when you push on it.
If you are unsure whether your installation is correct, many fire departments, hospitals, and certified child passenger safety technicians offer free installation checks. Some will even come to you or meet you at a specific location. This is worth doing before you travel, especially if you will be using the same car seat in Ubers regularly.
Alternatives if you cannot use a car seat in an Uber
If Uber Car Seat is not available in your area and you do not have your own car seat, you have other options. A taxi company or car service may have car seats available, though you will need to call ahead to request one. Some ride services that compete with Uber also offer car seat options in certain cities.
You could also ask a family member or friend to drive you instead. If you are traveling to an airport or hotel, ask whether they have car seat rental services — many do, and you can pick up a seat when you arrive rather than bringing one with you.
For regular trips with your child, investing in your own car seat may be the most practical solution. A basic car seat costs less than several Uber rides and can be used in any vehicle you travel in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hold my child in my lap during an Uber ride instead of using a car seat?
No. Holding a child in your lap during a car ride is illegal in every state and provides no protection in a crash. Your state's car seat law applies in an Uber just as it does in any other vehicle. If your child is under the age or weight limit for your state, you must use a car seat or booster seat.
What if the Uber driver refuses to let me install a car seat?
You have the right to install a car seat in the back seat of the vehicle. If a driver refuses, you can cancel the ride without penalty and request a different driver. If this happens repeatedly, you can report it to Uber through the app.
Does Uber Car Seat cost a lot more than a regular Uber ride?
Yes, Uber Car Seat costs significantly more than a standard ride because you are paying for the car seat and the driver's time to maintain and install it. The exact price varies by city and demand, but expect to pay roughly double or more compared to a regular Uber ride.
Can I use a booster seat instead of a car seat in an Uber?
It depends on your child's age and weight and your state's laws. Most states allow a booster seat for children who have outgrown a forward-facing car seat but are still too small for a regular seat belt. Check your state's specific rules to see whether a booster seat meets the legal requirement for your child.
What if I am traveling to a different state — do I need to follow that state's car seat laws?
Yes. When you travel to another state, you must follow that state's car seat laws, even if they are different from your home state. Before you travel, look up the car seat requirements for the state you are visiting so you know what you need to bring or arrange.