No, you do not legally need to provide a car seat when riding Uber or Lyft. As a passenger, you are responsible for bringing an appropriate child safety seat for your child. Uber’s official policy states that drivers are not required to supply them, and trips are conducted under the assumption that riders will provide their own. This rule exists because providing a one-size-fits-all seat creates liability issues for the driver and may not be the correct size or type for your child.
The real question is not about the driver's requirement but your child's safety and your legal obligation as a parent. In the United States, all 50 states have child passenger safety laws. These laws mandate that children of certain ages, heights, and weights must be secured in a federally approved car seat or booster seat. Using a ride-share service does not exempt you from these laws. For example, in California, children under 2 years old, or under 40 lbs, must be in a rear-facing car seat; failure to comply can result in a fine.
| State | Law Summary (General Examples) | Typical Fine for Non-Compliance |
|---|
| New York | Under 4 years old must be in a federally approved child safety seat. | $100 - $150 |
| Texas | Children under 8 years old or under 4'9" must be in a child safety system. | $25 - $250 |
| Florida | Children aged 4 and under must be in a crash-tested, federally approved child restraint device. | $60 + points on license |
| California | Under 2 years old, or under 40 lbs, must be in a rear-facing car seat. | $100 - $500 |
| Illinois | Children under 8 years old must be secured in an appropriate child restraint system. | $75 |
My advice is to always travel with your own, lightweight, and easily portable car seat. This guarantees it’s the right fit for your child, properly installed, and you avoid any last-minute cancellations from drivers who are understandably cautious about transporting an unsecured child. It’s the safest and most reliable way to use ride-share services with young kids.
