Do You Need Child Car Seats for Taxis in the US?

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Whether you're visiting the theme parks of Orlando, the skyscrapers of New York City, or the coastline of California, the US is packed with unforgettable family experiences. But before you hop into a taxi or rideshare with your kids, it’s important to ask: Are child car seats required in taxis in the US?

Here’s what families need to know to stay safe and legal while traveling across the United States.

What the Law Says About Car Seats in the US

Car seat laws in the US are set at the state level, which means the rules vary depending on where you're traveling. That said, all 50 states require that young children ride in an appropriate child restraint system—such as a car seat or booster—based on age, height, and weight.

However, many US states make exemptions for taxis and rideshare services, meaning these vehicles may not be legally required to have car seats, even though private cars are. For example:

• New York City taxis are exempt from car seat laws, but Uber and Lyft are not.

• In California, taxis are exempt, but again, rideshares must follow car seat laws.

• In Florida, taxis are exempt—but it is strongly recommended to use a child seat anyway.

Legal does not always mean safe—and even short rides can carry risks for unrestrained children.

Do US Taxis Provide Car Seats?

In practice, most taxis in the US do not carry child seats unless specifically requested in advance—and even then, availability may be limited. This applies in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and San Francisco.

Some services like Uber offer a “Car Seat” option in select cities (e.g., NYC), but they are limited to certain age groups and usually incur an extra fee. Standard cabs hailed on the street almost never have car seats available.

The Safe Option: Book a Taxi With Car Seats in Advance

To keep your child safe and avoid last-minute stress, the best choice is to pre-book a taxi with the correct child car seat included.

At Taxibambino.com, we help families book taxis with child car seats across the US, including:

• New York City

• Los Angeles

• Orlando

• Miami

• San Francisco

• Washington, D.C.

You can choose from:

• Rear-facing infant seats

• Forward-facing toddler seats

• Booster seats for older children

All our partners are vetted, and seats are installed properly before pickup—so your journey starts with safety and peace of mind.

Renting a Car in the US?

Renting a car is a common choice in the US, especially for road trips or exploring areas outside major cities. Most rental companies offer child seats, but they often charge extra, and you’re responsible for installation.

For short trips, airport transfers, and city rides, a pre-booked taxi with a child seat is often the more convenient and safer option, especially if you’re not familiar with local driving laws.

Family Travel Tips in the US

• Book your child seat taxi early, especially around holidays or peak travel periods

• Give your child’s age, weight, and height to ensure the right seat is selected

• Confirm air conditioning for summer trips—it can get very hot in many states

• Avoid unlicensed cabs or rideshares, particularly in tourist-heavy areas

  
  

Safe, Comfortable Family Travel Across the US

From theme parks and museums to coastlines and cityscapes, the US has something for every family. But when it comes to transport, don’t leave your child’s safety up to chance.

Visit Taxibambino.com to pre-book taxis with child car seats in the US, and enjoy every mile of your journey knowing your little ones are secure and protected.