Are Car Seats Allowed in Rental Trucks?

Can kids in car seats ride in a moving truck?

There are no state or federal laws prohibiting the use of a car seat in a rental truck, but it isn’t the safest way for kids to travel. Kids are safest in the rear seat of a vehicle, and there are no moving trucks with back seats.

Let’s review car seat recommendations and learn about a safer way to move with kids.

Car seat guidelines

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children under the age of 13 ride in the rear seat of a vehicle when available. The AAP also advises that the safest place to install a child safety seat is in the back seat using the vehicle’s LATCH system (always use the top tether for forward-facing seats). Use seatbelts if no LATCH system is available in the car, van, SUV or extended-cab pickup truck. 

State car seat laws

All 50 states have laws regarding seat belts and child safety seats. Every state requires infants and young children to ride in an appropriate car seat, but only a few state laws specify that a child should ride in the back seat. 

What does that mean? It is not illegal to transport a child in a single-cab truck, but it is not recommended if you have an alternative vehicle.

Can you put a car seat in a U-Haul® truck?  

U-Haul’s website states that its trucks' features may not meet car seat requirements and that young children should not ride in their equipment.

We also reviewed the websites of two other popular moving truck rental companies to check their policies. The Budget® truck rental website recommends that customers follow all federal and state regulations regarding children in car seats. The Penske® truck rental website does not offer recommendations or guidelines on car seats (at the time of publication).

It’s also important to note that LATCH systems are not standard equipment for moving trucks. 

Safety precautions if you must use a car seat in a moving truck

If you have no choice but to travel with your child in a moving truck, follow these steps recommended by the AAP for the safest ride: 

• Disable the passenger airbags*
• Ensure that the safety seat is installed correctly (a local fire or police station can help)
• Move the vehicle’s seat as far away from the dashboard as possible 

*Some truck models don’t have an option to turn off the airbags and should not transport children. Confirm the features available in each truck with the rental company, since airbags can cause serious injuries to kids.  

U-Pack is a safer way to move with a family

When you’re moving with a baby or small children, U-Pack® is a safer alternative to moving to another state in a rental truck.  

We’re a DIY long-distance moving service in business since 1997. We transport your belongings, which allows you and your family to travel together in the safety and comfort of a personal car.

Get a free, no-obligation quote online or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant. Let us know if you have questions about how U-Pack services compare to rental trucks. 

U-Haul® is a registered trademark of U-Haul International, Inc. Budget® is a registered trademark of Budget Truck Rental, LLC. Penske® is a registered trademark of Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P. Use of third-party trademarks or registered trademarks does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by such third party.