No, most taxis and ride-sharing vehicles do not provide car seats for children as a standard service. You are generally expected to bring your own appropriate child restraint system. The laws regarding child passenger safety in cabs can be complex and vary by state and city, often creating a gray area for parents. While some local regulations may exempt taxis from strict car seat laws, safety best practices strongly recommend using one regardless of the legal technicality.
The responsibility for your child's safety ultimately falls on you, the parent or guardian. Major ride-hailing services like Uber and Uber Car Seat (available in select cities) offer an option to request a vehicle with a car seat, but availability is often limited and comes with an extra fee. Relying on this service without a backup plan can lead to significant delays or cancellations.
Planning is essential. Here’s a comparison of common options:
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|
| Bring Your Own Seat | Guaranteed fit and familiarity; highest safety control. | Can be bulky to carry; inconvenient for long excursions. | All situations, especially airport trips. |
| Travel-Specific Car Seat | Lightweight and portable designs (e.g., WAYB Pico, MiFold). | Often a separate purchase; may have weight/height limits. | Frequent travelers or families on the go. |
| Uber Car Seat / Similar | Convenient if available; no need to carry your own. | Very limited availability; not offered in most cities; extra fee. | Short, pre-planned trips in supported markets like NYC. |
| Relying on Driver | No upfront effort. | Highly unreliable; most drivers do not carry seats; potentially illegal/unsafe. | Not recommended. |
Always call the taxi company ahead of time to inquire about car seat availability—don't assume they will have one. For ride-shares, check the app's options in your specific city. The safest and most reliable strategy is always to be prepared with your own certified car seat that you know how to install correctly.
