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Uber/Lyft Car Seat rules

Can anyone tell me if booster & car seat rules are the same for Uber/Lyft rides as for taxis? Or do they follow the same rules as probate vehicles?

I have an almost 10 year old who is .5inch too short to ride without a booster seat if the latter - we might not use ride share at all, but want to make sure we’re fully prepared just in case. Thank you!!

In Hawaii, the rules for car seats and booster seats in ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are similar to the rules for taxis in that both services must follow the state's car seat laws. However, there are some important distinctions and details to consider:

According to Hawaii's law, children under the age of 4 must use a federally-approved child safety seat, while children aged 4 to 7, who are shorter than 4 feet 9 inches, must use a booster seat. These rules apply to all vehicles, including taxis and ride-share vehicles such as Uber and Lyft.

For your situation, where you have a 10-year-old who is slightly too short to ride without a booster seat (less than 4 feet 9 inches), the child would need a booster seat for safety, regardless of whether you're using a ride-share service or a taxi.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when using Uber or Lyft:

  • Uber and Lyft generally do not provide car seats or booster seats by default: Unlike taxis, where you can sometimes request a car seat (though it's not guaranteed), ride-share services typically require you to bring your own car seat or booster if needed. If you are traveling with a child who requires a booster seat, you will need to arrange to bring one along.
  • Uber's "UberX with Car Seat" option: Uber does offer a specific option called "UberX with Car Seat," but this is only available in certain areas and for children who are at least 2 years old and under 48 pounds. This may not meet the needs of your child if they are older and just over the height limit for a booster seat. It’s a good idea to check if this service is available when booking your ride.
  • Bring your own booster seat: If you're unable to book a car with a seat, or if the available options don’t meet your needs, bringing your own booster seat is the safest and most reliable option. Many parents travel with compact booster seats that are easy to carry and fit into most vehicles.
  • Taxi service alternatives: While taxis are required to follow the same state laws regarding car seats and booster seats, they may be more flexible in accommodating seat requests. However, this can vary greatly depending on the company or driver, so it's important to check in advance with the service provider to confirm availability.

In conclusion, the booster seat rules for Uber/Lyft are aligned with state law, just like taxis, and you’ll need to bring your own car seat or booster seat if it’s required. If you're unsure about whether you can rely on ride-share services, it’s always safest to have your own seat available to avoid any complications.

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