Uber does not provide car seats, but you can request a driver who will let you bring your own
Uber has no built-in car seat option like some other ride services do. You cannot order a car seat through the app the way you order a larger vehicle. Instead, you make a regular Uber request and tell the driver in the app message that you are bringing a car seat and need help securing it, or you use UberX and bring your own seat if your child is old enough that a seat belt alone meets your state's law.
The practical reality is that most drivers will accept a passenger with a car seat, but Uber does not may provide this, does not train drivers on car seat installation, and does not inspect whether the seat is installed correctly. You are responsible for bringing the seat, installing it properly, and buckling your child in. If a driver refuses the ride after you mention the car seat, Uber will cancel without charging you, but you will need to request again.
Some parents use Uber for short trips where they hold the car seat on their lap or place it on the seat next to them, though this does not meet federal safety standards. Others use Uber only for rides where the child can sit in a regular seat belt. The safest option is to use a different service, drive yourself, or request a taxi that specializes in families with young children.
Key Takeaways
- Uber does not offer a car seat through its app or may provide that drivers will accept passengers with car seats.
- You must bring your own car seat and install it yourself; Uber drivers are not trained or required to help with installation.
- Tell the driver in the app message before they arrive that you have a car seat, so they can accept or decline the ride.
- If a driver refuses after you mention the car seat, you can cancel without a charge and request a new driver.
- For trips where a car seat is necessary, a traditional taxi or car service that specializes in families may be safer and more reliable than Uber.
What to do before you request the ride
Before you open the Uber app, make sure your car seat is in good condition and that you know how to install it. Check the seat's manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm whether it is designed to be installed in a vehicle seat or held on a lap. Most infant car seats and convertible seats are designed for vehicle installation and should not be held during a ride.
Have your car seat with you when you request the ride. Do not assume the driver will wait while you fetch it from home or another location. Drivers can cancel if the pickup takes too long, and you will be charged a cancellation fee.
Check your state's car seat laws. Most states require a car seat for children under age 8 or under a certain weight. Some states allow a booster seat or seat belt alone for older children. Knowing your state's requirement helps you decide whether Uber is a safe option for your specific trip. You can find your state's law through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or your state's Department of Transportation.
How to message the driver about the car seat
After you request an Uber, the app will show you the driver's name, vehicle type, and license plate. Before the driver arrives, tap the message icon and send a message saying something like: "I have a car seat that I will install in the back seat. Is this okay?" This gives the driver a chance to accept or decline before they drive to you.
Some drivers will respond right away. Others will not message back but will arrive anyway, which usually means they accept. If a driver declines or cancels after you mention the car seat, the app will show a cancellation option. Tap it and select "Driver declined" or a similar reason. Uber will not charge you a cancellation fee in this case.
Be specific in your message if you need help. If you are unfamiliar with installing the seat or need the driver to hold your child while you buckle in, say so. The driver may still decline, but being clear upfront prevents confusion and conflict during the ride.
Installing the car seat safely during the ride
Arrive at the pickup location a few minutes early so you have time to install the seat before the driver pulls up. If you are not confident in your installation, ask a friend or family member to help, or practice at home first. A poorly installed car seat offers little protection in a crash.
When the driver arrives, open the back door and install the seat in the middle or side seat, depending on your seat type and the vehicle. Most car seats use either the vehicle's seat belt or a LATCH connector (a system built into most vehicles made after 2002). Follow your car seat's manual exactly. Do not skip steps or assume the seat is find if it feels snug.
Buckle your child into the car seat using the seat's harness, not the vehicle's seat belt. The vehicle's seat belt should go around the car seat itself, not your child. Once you are buckled in, you can tell the driver you are ready to go.
What happens if the driver arrives and refuses
If a driver arrives and then says they cannot take a passenger with a car seat, you have the right to cancel. Open the app, tap the menu, and select "Cancel Ride." Choose a reason like "Driver refused" or "Driver issue." Uber will not charge you a cancellation fee if the driver declined after arriving.
You will then need to request another Uber and repeat the process. This can be frustrating, especially if you are in a hurry or in an unfamiliar area. Some drivers may refuse because they worry about the time it takes to install a seat, because they have had bad experiences, or straightforward because they are uncomfortable with the situation.
If you find yourself repeatedly unable to get an Uber driver to accept a car seat, consider using a different service. Lyft, traditional taxis, and car services that specialize in families may have better options or more predictable policies.
Alternatives to Uber for trips with a car seat
Lyft offers a similar service to Uber and has the same limitation: no may provide car seat option. However, some Lyft drivers may be more accustomed to families with young children, depending on your area. You can message the driver the same way you would with Uber.
Traditional taxi services and car services often have drivers who are experienced with families and car seats. Some taxi companies allow you to request a larger vehicle or a driver who has experience with children. Call ahead and ask. These services usually cost more than Uber but may be more reliable for this specific need.
If you are traveling to an airport or hotel, ask the front desk or concierge whether they can arrange a car service with a car seat. Some hotels and airports have partnerships with local car services that can provide this. Rental car companies also rent car seats, which you can pick up when you rent a vehicle.
Safety considerations and liability
Uber's terms of service state that passengers are responsible for following all applicable laws, including car seat laws. Uber does not inspect car seats, does not train drivers on installation, and does not may provide that a driver will accept your request. If something goes wrong during the ride — if the car seat is not installed correctly, if the driver drives recklessly, or if there is an accident — Uber's liability is limited.
You are legally responsible for ensuring your child is in a properly installed car seat that meets your state's requirements. If you are stopped by police and your child is not in the correct seat, you can be cited, regardless of whether you were in an Uber or your own car.
Before you use Uber with a car seat, consider whether the trip is necessary and whether there is a safer alternative. For long trips or trips where you are unfamiliar with the route, driving yourself or using a car service with a known track record may be worth the extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hold my infant car seat on my lap during an Uber ride?
Technically yes, but it does not meet federal safety standards. Infant car seats are designed to be installed in a vehicle seat using a seat belt or LATCH connector. Holding the seat on your lap offers minimal protection in a crash or sudden stop. Most safety experts recommend against this practice, even for short trips.
What if my child is old enough to use just a seat belt?
If your state's law allows your child to use a seat belt alone, you do not need to mention a car seat when you request the Uber. Your child can sit in the back seat and use the vehicle's seat belt. Check your state's specific age and weight requirements to be sure.
Does Uber charge extra for a car seat?
No. Uber does not charge an additional fee for a car seat. You pay the same fare as you would for any other UberX ride. However, if the driver cancels after you mention the car seat, and you then request another driver, you may end up paying for two separate rides if the second driver also declines.
Can I bring a booster seat instead of a full car seat?
Yes, if your state's law allows it for your child's age and weight. Booster seats are smaller and easier to install than full car seats, and most drivers are more willing to accept them. Follow the same process: message the driver before they arrive and install the seat yourself using the vehicle's seat belt.
What should I do if the driver does not know how to help me install the seat?
Do not rely on the driver for help. Drivers are not trained in car seat installation, and incorrect installation can be dangerous. If you are not confident installing the seat yourself, ask a friend or family member to help before you get in the car, or practice at home first. You can also contact your local fire department or a certified car seat technician for free installation help.