Uber requires car seats for children under a certain age in most states, but the specific rules depend on where you live and which Uber service you use
Uber does not provide car seats. You must bring your own, and it must meet your state's car seat laws. Most states require car seats for children under age 8 or under 57 inches tall, though some states have different cutoffs. Uber's standard UberX service allows you to bring a car seat, but the driver is not required to help install it or adjust it — that is your responsibility. If you need a car seat and do not have one, Uber offers Uber Car Seat in select cities, which is a separate service where the car arrives with an installed, inspected car seat already in place.
The car seat law applies to rideshare vehicles the same way it applies to private cars. If a police officer stops an Uber and finds a child without the required car seat, both the driver and the parent or guardian can be cited. Fines typically range from $50 to $500 depending on the state and whether it is a first offense.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's car seat law applies to Uber rides just as it does to any other vehicle, and you are responsible for bringing and installing the seat.
- Uber Car Seat is available in some cities and arrives with a car seat already installed, though it costs more than a standard UberX ride.
- A standard Uber driver will not install, adjust, or provide a car seat, even if you ask.
- If you use a standard Uber with a car seat you bring yourself, make sure the seat is properly installed before the ride begins.
What your state's car seat law requires
Every state has its own car seat law, and that law applies to rideshare vehicles. Most states require a car seat for children under age 8 or under 57 inches tall. Some states use different age or height cutoffs — for example, California requires a car seat until age 8 or 4 feet 9 inches tall. A few states have lower cutoffs, such as age 6. You can find your state's specific requirement through your state's Department of Transportation website or by searching "[your state] car seat law."
The requirement does not change based on the type of vehicle or service. Whether you are in a private car, a taxi, or an Uber, the same law applies. The driver can be held responsible for transporting a child without the required seat, which is why many drivers will refuse a ride if you do not have one. Some states fine the driver; some fine the passenger; some fine both.
Using a car seat in a standard UberX ride
If you bring your own car seat to a standard UberX ride, you are responsible for installing it correctly before the ride starts. The driver will not help with installation, adjustment, or removal. You should plan to arrive a few minutes early so you have time to find the seat before the driver needs to leave. Always place the car seat in the back seat, never in the front.
Car seats can be tricky to install correctly — the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that about 85% of car seats are installed incorrectly. If you are not confident in your installation, consider having it checked at a local fire station or police department before your ride. Many stations offer free car seat inspections and can show you the right way to install it. Some car seats are easier to install in rideshare vehicles than others. Convertible car seats and booster seats tend to work better in Ubers than infant carriers, because they use the vehicle's seat belt rather than a base. If you are buying a car seat specifically for rideshare use, look for one that is straightforward to move between vehicles.
Uber Car Seat service and how it works
Uber Car Seat is a separate service available in certain cities — currently including parts of California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Texas, and a few others. When you request an Uber Car Seat ride through the app, a car arrives with a car seat already installed and inspected. The seat is cleaned between rides and meets federal safety standards. You do not need to bring anything or install anything yourself.
The cost is higher than a standard UberX ride — typically $5 to $15 more depending on your location and demand. You can see the price before you request the ride. The car seat is installed in the back seat, and you straightforward place your child in it when you get in the car. Uber Car Seat is designed for children ages 1 to 8, though the exact age range can vary by location. If your child is under 1 year old or over 8 years old, you will need to use a standard UberX and bring your own seat, or check whether your state allows a booster seat or no seat at all for your child's age and size.
What happens if you do not have a car seat
If you are in a standard Uber and do not have a car seat, you have a few options. First, check whether Uber Car Seat is available in your area by opening the app and looking for it as a ride option. If it is available, you can cancel the current ride and reschedule with Uber Car Seat. If Uber Car Seat is not available in your area, you will need to use a different transportation method or obtain a car seat before your ride.
You cannot legally ride in an Uber without a car seat if your child is under your state's car seat age or height requirement. Asking the driver to make an exception or saying you will "be careful" does not change the law. The driver can refuse the ride, and you can be fined if stopped by police. If you are traveling and do not have a car seat with you, you can rent one from a car rental company, buy one at a local store, or order one online for delivery to your hotel. Some cities also have car seat lending libraries run by nonprofits or hospitals, where you can borrow a seat for free or a small fee.
Installing a car seat correctly in an Uber
If you are bringing your own car seat, follow these steps to install it safely. First, read your car seat's manual — every seat is different, and the manual tells you exactly how to install it in that specific seat model. Second, position the seat in the back seat of the car, never in the front. Third, thread the vehicle's seat belt through the car seat according to your manual, and pull the belt tight so the seat does not move more than an inch side to side or front to back. Fourth, if your car seat has a top tether strap, attach it to the anchor point behind the back seat if one is available in the Uber.
Test the installation before the ride starts by grabbing the car seat at the base and trying to move it. If it shifts more than an inch, tighten the seat belt more. A properly installed car seat should feel solid and not rock or slide. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website has videos showing correct installation for different car seat types if you want to see the process before you try it yourself.
Booster seats and older children
Once a child outgrows a forward-facing car seat, most states allow a booster seat. A booster seat is smaller and lighter than a car seat, and it positions the child so the vehicle's seat belt fits properly across the chest and lap. Booster seats are easier to move between vehicles than car seats, which makes them practical for frequent rideshare use. Your state's law specifies the age, weight, or height at which a child can move to a booster seat. Some states allow a booster at age 4; others require it until age 8.
Check your state's law to know when your child can transition. Even after a child is tall enough to use a booster, many safety experts recommend using one until the child is at least 10 years old, because the vehicle's seat belt alone does not fit a smaller child as safely. Booster seats cost less than car seats and take up less space, so they are a good option if you plan to use rideshare regularly as your child gets older.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Uber driver refuse to take my child if I do not have a car seat?
Yes. The driver can cancel the ride if you do not have the car seat your state requires. The driver is not breaking any rule by doing so — in fact, they are following the law. If this happens, request an Uber Car Seat ride if available, or use a different transportation method.
Do I need a car seat for a very short Uber ride?
Yes. The law applies to all rides, no matter how short. Even a five-minute trip requires the proper car seat if your child is under your state's age or height limit. There is no exception for short distances.
What if my child refuses to sit in the car seat?
You will need to help your child get comfortable with the seat before the ride, or reschedule for a time when your child is calmer. The driver cannot leave until your child is properly seated, and you cannot ask the driver to drive without the seat. If your child has a disability or medical condition that makes a standard car seat unsafe, talk to your pediatrician about alternatives and bring documentation to show the driver.
Is Uber Car Seat available in my city?
Open the Uber app and look at the ride options. If Uber Car Seat appears as a choice, it is available in your area. If you do not see it, it is not currently offered where you are. You can check the Uber website or contact Uber support to ask whether it is coming to your city.
Can I use a car seat from a rental car company in an Uber?
Yes, if you own or rent a car seat, you can bring it into an Uber and install it yourself. Make sure it is clean and in good condition, and follow the installation steps in the seat's manual. Rental car seats are usually basic models that work in most vehicles.