Are Car Seats Allowed in Rental Trucks?

Should kids ride in a moving truck? 

Moving out of state with your family can be challenging enough. But it can get downright overwhelming when you add in the question of whether or not the kids should ride in a moving truck. 

If everyone fits in a rental truck (which seats 2-3 people), it may seem like a convenient way to transport your family and things at once, but it isn’t the safest option for children.  

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

Can a car seat be put in the front seat of a truck? 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), all children under the age of 13 should ride in the rear seat of a vehicle when available. The AAP also recommends 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. 

All 50 states have laws regarding seatbelts 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? While it is not illegal to transport a child in a single-cab truck, it is not recommended if you have an alternative vehicle. 

Do any rental truck companies allow car seats?  

We looked at the websites of three popular moving truck rental companies to check their car seat policies. The companies do not prohibit car seats, but none of the moving trucks have back seats. In addition, LATCH systems are not standard equipment for moving trucks. 

Budget® recommendations for car seats

Budget’s website recommends that customers follow all federal and state regulations regarding children in car seats.

Penske® car seat rules

Penske's website does not offer recommendations or rules about car seats (at the  time of publishing).

Putting a car seat in a U-Haul®

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

What to do if you must use a car seat in a rental 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 moving trucks don’t have the 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.  

There’s a safer way to move with children: no rental trucks required

If moving with a child in a rental truck feels too uncertain, U-Pack can help with a safer alternative to move long distance.  

We’re a DIY moving service with over 25 years of experience handling out-of-state moves. We transport your belongings so your family can travel together in the safety and comfort of a personal car — often at prices cheaper than rentals. 

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.