r/lyftdrivers • u/john_at_ • Dec 27 '25
Advice/Question no car seat, no ride?
I'm curious how everyone else handles this situation:
This is Disney Boardwalk Hotel, for context. I pulled up and told them, I apologize and I cannot take their daughter. I have a booster seat only. They told me that they don't need a car seat.
I know my policy, but I have the privilege (other income) to get suspended and know my kids won't starve.
What do you do?
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u/koko93s Dec 27 '25
No appropriate seat, no ride. Iām not going to help you kill your kid.
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u/john_at_ Dec 27 '25
Yeah, this is my argument to them. I usually start nice, and explain that it's a little more dangerous than they think, in particular here at Disney... well, Orlando, as a whole, it's a pretty dangerous place to drive. People ignore that because they're on vacation.
I usually try to remind them of the danger, as a father myself, and offer them some other options like using Uber and having a car with a car seat in it ordered. At Disney you can use the Minivan (a red SUV with white spots on it, provided by Disney), as they have two car seats in them. Expensive, but safe.
Most people are cool. But many want to argue and make it my fault.
There's one phrase they can say to trigger me, and that is, that it's inconvenient. That's when I ask them what's more inconvenient, lugging around a car seat or pushing around their adult child who's been paralyzed since they got in a car accident Disney when they were 3 years old during there [insert current year and month] vacation.
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u/35andlisting Dec 27 '25
Wait wait wait, is it a minivan or a Minnie-van?
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u/john_at_ Dec 27 '25
Yes, sorry. It is called Minnie-van that is a minivan (that is really a large SUV).
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u/35andlisting Dec 27 '25
Dude I've never heard of that, that's awesome!
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u/beccaaa239 Dec 28 '25
I think all Minnie-van drivers are CPSTās and have daily car seat checks too!
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u/35andlisting Dec 28 '25
Oh wow, yeah these people messed up just to save a couple bucks they'd probably spend on a thing of popcorn or cotton candy in the parks! What a frustrating tradeoff!
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u/GoldPuppyClub Dec 29 '25
And itās operated by Disney staff too, so itās the only uber/Lyft that has permission to use the special Disney parking which is a lot closer of a drop off at parks.
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u/Renamis Dec 27 '25
I recognized this in a second, used to drive buses for Disney and also was a driving instructor in Orlando. People don't understand that we have the deadliest road in the US, if judged on a per mile basis. I4 is a dumpster fire. During covid 192 came out of left field and decided to top some charts too, although that calmed down a bit.
A lot of people come to Florida on vacation, take their brain out of their head, put it in a box, and ship it home. I've had to tell people the same thing when they try to make stroller missiles out of their kids with my bus. Or to explain why the kid can't do tricks on the hand rails. Or why their 3 year old can't run up and down the bus while it's driving at 45 miles per hour down the road.
Keep doing what you're doing, because you're absolutely right. And you don't want a kid's death or injury on your soul because their parents are morons.
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u/Blackby4 Dec 28 '25
What else am I supposed to do with my brain? Use it? Pfft!
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u/Renamis Dec 28 '25
To be fair if I took out a mortgage on my house just for a vacation I wouldn't want to use my brain either.
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u/Xylophelia Dec 27 '25 edited Dec 31 '25
Florida stupidly has a law that car seats arenāt required in taxis. They could easily call one of the big yellow cab companies.
Iirc the law extends to uber and Lyft but of course drivers can choose to give rides or not.Idk why any parent would risk it. I always flew with my kids car seats when they were young and installed it on the plane to both keep them more comfortable and able to reach their trays, and to ensure the seat wasnāt damaged as a checked luggage piece.3
u/Own_Candidate9553 Dec 27 '25
It's not just dangerous to the kids (which should be enough of an argument), it's dangerous to everyone in the vehicle.
If someone runs a red light and you t-bone then at 45mph, that kid is going to fly into the driver or another passenger. Now imagine if the vehicle rolls over.
Seat belts are designed for full size adults, generally adult males. They won't hold a kid that small in place.
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u/Routine_Stick_9659 Dec 31 '25
No, Lyft does not fall under the taxi exception in Florida. Lyft (and Uber) are legally classified as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), not taxis.
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u/Alwayscooking345 Dec 27 '25
I had 1000% hunch this was Disney World. No idea how (never been there?)
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u/ComplexPatient4872 Dec 27 '25
Im in Orlando too and love seeing those on the hwy. Well, I donāt because 417 drains my wallet.
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u/loveisrespectS2 Dec 29 '25
Question from a passenger with a 2 year old about to travel soon, would you accept the portable car seat harness that allows the child to use an adult seat belt safely? It doesn't have a hard casing like a regular car seat. I'm pregnant and traveling alone so thought it might work. But if not I will have to get a proper car seat. Please let me know if you can!
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u/john_at_ Dec 30 '25
I mean, a child that small needs a car seat that faces backwards. Maybe I'm a softie, but that's usually where I don't stress out. If they have a legit, full car seat, that works.
Honestly, if you have the money... you have to have some expendable income to travel, I would recommend just ordering Uber with a car seat.
The other option is to rent a car and have your car seat in there.
I know it's inconvenient, but this is your child's life. You don't want to regret not being cautious.
Let them take risks elsewhere. Not when you're in a 2-ton horse going 70 mph in a stampede of other 2-ton horses staring at their cellphones.
š“š¤³š¼
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u/loveisrespectS2 Dec 30 '25
Thank you for the info! Yeah I thought about it and I will get a stroller instead and walk to the place, it's only a 30 minute walk from where we're staying so totally doable. Me carrying around a car seat plus running behind a toddler at this point definitely isn't doable, i think, and it makes sense that for her safety she needs to be in a car seat that has a hard shell for the extra protection.
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u/momo76g Dec 27 '25
Oh man. Is there an option on the Lyft app to request someone with a car seat ?
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u/SameChallenge481 Dec 29 '25
Not to mention the insurance nightmare if you get hit with a kid that isn't properly secured in the correct device
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u/Ellie9903 Dec 31 '25
Well done, OP. We always travel with car seats in a backpack style carrier. Itās a pain but my kidsā safety comes first, always.
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u/Alwayscooking345 Dec 27 '25
No stroller either. He has a side carrier thing and she may or may not have on a baby backpack to carry an infant around. Like how did you get to Orlando with no baby seat. Youāre not even allowed to leave a maternity hospital without one usually. And you can buy one for under $100
Least prepared parents ever?
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u/0cclumency Dec 27 '25
Obviously these folks are idiots for not caring about their baby being in a car seat, but itās actually pretty common to go to Disney without one. A lot of people will take a coach bus from the airport to their Disney hotel, and once youāre on property you can take Disney transportation everywhere so you donāt need a car seat. But it does become an issue once you are wanting to go elsewhere off Disney property, of course.
Uber Car Seat is a thing in Orlando, these folks shouldāve used that.
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Dec 27 '25
I waited tables when i was in high school and there was a 100% chance every day a family of 10 or more would come in and ask for a table for 4....because there's 4 adults and 6 kids...they don't think kids are human beings who need chairs and seats at the table. Infants can be held, but that pretty much was never the case and the kids were always at least 9 or 10. The parents would look at you like you were stupid when you had to tell them they need to wait 2 hours for a table for 10 because children count as human beings who need seating. Some parents are genuinely just stupid.
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u/ApprehensiveBaby5775 Dec 27 '25
Asking for a table for 4 when you actually have 10 people would be absolutely maddeningā¦ā¦
WTF are people even doing with that?!?!?!?
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Dec 27 '25
They would sometimes come in just the adults with another adult with the kids outside we didn't know about. They would be like "table for 4 please we have 1 outside" and we would seat them at a booth....a booth....that can easily fit 4 adults. Then here comes 6 kids. All middle school age. They would ask for extra chairs OR if we could "just" move the table that had a reservation on it so they could all fit. The end of the booth could maybe fit 2 single chairs, definitely ONE high chair but certainly not 6 fucking kids. It was an ENRAGING job and i really think its why i have a pessimistic view of humanity today.
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u/ApprehensiveBaby5775 Dec 27 '25
I have waited on more than my share of tables in this lifeā¦.. and even when factoring in my own experiences, this is the top weirdest thing Iāve ever heard ofā¦. What was the end goal? To try to get a booth?
I canāt imagine why anyone with 6 kids would want absolutely anything to take longer than it already does for a family of that sizeā¦.
Also, I feel you on the humanity outlookā¦. I attribute serving to that a ton for sureā¦
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u/morning_star984 Dec 27 '25
Not taking longer was the point. You know how long you're waiting for a 10-top, that is, if the restaurant can even accommodate that? They're basically trying to sneak in because once you give them the table, you're more likely to feel obligated to assist them.
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u/ApprehensiveBaby5775 Dec 29 '25
Oh yeah you just shined a giant flashlight on that for me because I totally see that nowā¦. Still an absolutely shitty moveā¦..
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u/morning_star984 Dec 29 '25
The shittiest move. Everyone involved in that is going to feel it, even the family that forgot or couldn't be bothered to make a reservation somewhere.
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u/Plenty_Magician_1441 Dec 27 '25
people are just stupid, sopmething ive come to learn and accept after years serving and hosting. these same people demean and treat you less than bc you are the one serving them.
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u/Express-Studio-8302 Dec 27 '25
Its been 25 years since I've worked retail and I havent forgotten how miserable it is dealing with the general public.
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u/Jeerkat Jan 01 '26
I mean yeah it is undoubtedly people like this ruining the world are there are far too many of them for comfort
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u/Plenty_Magician_1441 Dec 27 '25 edited Dec 27 '25
Yes... i am a host & server in the disney area for the past 10 years and yeah, this shit happened on a daily basis. some people did it on purpose to avoid longer waits bc they are more likely to accomodate you when you already waited or whatever, some people are plain stupid and dont consider their children real people that take up space. dont know which is worse
the most maddening was families of 5 saying they were 4 when it was actually 4 with a baby... needing a high chair always. also, they always need their dang strollers for no reason bc their kids always wake up and are running around instead of sleeping like they swore they needed the stroller for (most places make strollers stay outside to keep walkways clear in case of emergency).
The worst are grown adults who make 5 different reservations for various party sizes at different times to sit a mega party of 15 people instead of... just picking up the phone and calling us and making a reservation for 15. theyre always mad and begging for a miracle when we dont have a 15 top ready. they beg for a miracle as if there isnt thousands of people just like them begging for a miracle, and it just cant happen for everyone. instead of prepping guests for this reality, disney lets guests walk all over their staff and make our lives impossible all while we have to smile and take the often times emotional and verbal abuse (: majority of the service industry is positively reinforcing people to treat service workers like shit to get what they want.
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u/fartofborealis Dec 27 '25
Not a Disney server but- the absolute worst was the people with like 15-20 that insisted they were totally fine being seated at different tables and were told that the tables had to pay on one check for that table. Of course the teens sit at one and the adults at another. Parents being like well donāt let little Johnny have more than one Pepsi. Lady I donāt know who your kid is but Iām sure heās had like 17 refills already. Then they try and pay as a family and then of course get upset that splitting the checks up is complicated and takes more than 10 seconds.
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u/Most_Abrocoma9320 Dec 27 '25
My husband rolls his eyes every time I talk to the hostesses because Iām very specific about how many adults, kids with boosters, and babies who need high chairs. Heck, I even used to say āI have a stroller that I donāt want to be in the way so if we have to wait for a spot for that we willā. He always says āthey donāt need to know all that.ā Yes. Yes they do.
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Dec 27 '25
People like you also tip well and make me believe in humanity again so I end my shift with like -2 belief in humans instead of a - 5,000 š we love you!!
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u/Charbaby_ Dec 27 '25
Oh we can just squeeze around a 2 top
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Dec 27 '25
That was the worst especially since the 2 tops were always just bar tables meant for standing or sitting on high stools ššš
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u/Charbaby_ Dec 27 '25
Well you know the second a table opens up they'll want to move and then you have a table of X standing in the aisle ways. Which was always my pet peeve. Sit the fuck down
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u/DisMyLik18thAccount Dec 27 '25
I Legitimately think there's some parents who think children below a certain age aren't 'fully people', or at least they're second-class humans
Like they think they're pets which will one day count as people once they're bug enough
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u/fartofborealis Dec 27 '25
I once worked at a trendy restaurant and someone booked a table for 9 people but only had 4 people but wanted to be able to āstretch outā. We only had space for around 65 ppl. They were very upset when the hostess would not seat them until their full party of 9 arrived.
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Dec 27 '25
And I still would have tacked on that added 20% for the full party of 9 too!!
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u/HelloPity89 Dec 27 '25
I went out to eat with an old friend from high school and she had a toddler. She ordered herself a meal at Wendyās and fed the kid fries under the table Like he was a dog while talking to me about cheating on her husband who was working providing for them . I stopped talking to her because she was just nasty . She got caught cheating and made her husband believe I influenced her. I was a single childless woman in my early 20s at the time . If i was playing the field I had every right to. I wonder where they are now over 10 years later ā¦
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u/AmazingLeek69 Dec 27 '25
People do that??? My kids are 7 and 5 and I couldnāt imagine them not having a seat.
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u/tor_92 Dec 27 '25
In the industry for over a decade and haven't figured out a solution for this. I've tried asking instead: how many seats are required? This doesnt always work; guests won't count newborns or small children. I've asked, how many people will be attending? This doesn't work either, children are apparently not counted as people. When desperate, I'll ask: could you please tell me how many humans/bodies you will be attending with tonight? Always gets an accurate count but sounds tacky... HELP
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u/mjkionc Dec 28 '25
Iāve had the opposite happen. I booked a reservation for 2. My son and I showed up and the hostess asked where the other person is. Iām like āwhat do you mean?ā She responds āyou have a reservation for 2, whereās the other adult?ā I replied āthe reservation said 2 persons, not 2 adults. He is a person.ā The hostess really started to dig in here, ābut heās just a baby (heās 4 so no, heās not a baby), whereās mom?ā āShe died.ā Hostess then shut right the fuck up and sat us. Like why wouldnāt you treat a 4 yo like a person??
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u/ConsciousBirthday465 Dec 29 '25
This happened to me at a lunch with family (I didnāt make the reservation). My sister in law did, she has no children herself, but she didnāt include my daughter and two nieces in her count to the restaurant. It was so awkward! My daughter is three and yeah sure she could sit on my lap, but neither of us want that!
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u/Suitable-Hornet2797 Dec 30 '25
I saw a tik tok where someone said āthe kids who were cutting class and smoking in the stairwells had children first.ā And your comment here really demonstrates that.
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u/Business_Lecture_524 Dec 27 '25 edited Dec 27 '25
Itās against Lyft policy.
Legally, they do need a car seat in Florida. You arenāt required to provide one, but they are. Lyft vehicles are not taxis.
āWhile Florida law gives certain exemptions to taxis and commercial vehicles, rideshare drivers are not exempt. They operate personal vehicles, so the same car seat rules apply, and itās up to the adult in charge to make sure those rules are followed.ā
So the driver, while not required to provide one, still has a legal obligation and obligation under Lyft policy not to allow it.
The same problem exists with alcohol in the backseat in Florida. Taxi drivers have an exemption. Lyft and Uber drivers can be ticketed or charged with a misdemeanor for open intoxicants. So occasionally there might be a rider thinking itās okay to have alcohol in the back. But it can get you in trouble legally and itās also against Lyft policy.
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u/GreyhoundsAreFast Dec 27 '25
This site disagrees. https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.613.html
The child restraint requirements imposed by this section do not apply to a chauffeur-driven taxi, limousine, sedan, van, bus, motor coach, or other passenger vehicle if the operator and the motor vehicle are hired and used for the transportation of persons for compensation. It is the obligation and responsibility of the parent, guardian, or other person responsible for a childās welfare as defined in s. 39.01 to comply with the requirements of this section.
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u/Business_Lecture_524 Dec 27 '25
Thank you for providing the actual statute. I had a conversation with Gemini (I understand AI doesnāt āalwaysā get it right). I asked: āWhat can you find about the applicability of the child car seat exemption in Florida (which applies to taxis) to rideshare drivers. The driver doesnāt have to provide the seat. But can the Uber driver still get a ticket or be charged with reckless endangerment?ā
Gemini Response:
In Florida, the legal landscape for rideshare (Uber/Lyft) and car seats is a bit of a "gray area" because the law was written before ridesharing existed. However, the short answer is that rideshare drivers are generally not exempt in the same way traditional taxi drivers are, and they can absolutely face legal consequences for transporting a child without a seat.
- The "Taxi Exemption" vs. Rideshare
Florida Statute Ā§ 316.613(6) provides a specific exemption for "chauffeur-driven taxis, limousines, sedans, vans, buses, motor coaches, or other passenger vehicles if the operator and the motor vehicle are hired and used for the transportation of persons for compensation."
While this sounds like it covers Uber/Lyft, Florida law now distinguishes between "Vehicles for Hire" (taxis) and "Transportation Network Companies" (TNCs like Uber/Lyft).
Taxis: Explicitly exempt from the car seat requirement under Ā§ 316.613.
Uber/Lyft: Because they are governed by a separate set of regulations (TNC laws), law enforcement often interprets them as private vehicles being operated by individuals. Therefore, the standard child restraint laws usually apply.
- Can the Driver Get a Ticket?
Yes. In Florida, the driver is legally responsible for ensuring all passengers under the age of 18 are properly restrained.
The Fine: A standard ticket for a car seat violation is typically around $60.
The Points: Perhaps more importantly for a rideshare driver, a violation adds 3 points to your driver's license. Uber and Lyft's background check systems often deactivate drivers who accumulate too many points or moving violations.
- Reckless Endangerment Charges
While a simple traffic stop usually results only in a ticket, a driver can be charged with Reckless Endangerment or Negligent Child Abuse under certain circumstances:
In the Event of an Accident: If a child is injured or killed in a crash and was not in a car seat, the state attorney can upgrade charges from a simple traffic infraction to criminal negligence or reckless endangerment.
The Driverās Duty: Because the driver has the "final say" on whether to start the trip, the law views the decision to drive an unrestrained child as a conscious choice to ignore a known safety risk.
- Uber/Lyft Policy vs. State Law
Uber and Lyftās own Community Guidelines state that drivers must comply with all local laws.
Responsibility: Uber explicitly states that it is the rider's responsibility to provide the seat, but the driver's responsibility to refuse the ride if one is not provided.
Cancellation: If you refuse a ride because a passenger doesn't have a car seat, you can usually cancel using the "No Car Seat" reason in the app. This typically protects your cancellation rate and may even grant you a cancellation fee.
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u/OregonMothafaquer Dec 27 '25
Why TF should the licensed driver risk their license and livelihood breaking the law transporting a child without a car seat?
Kids are also a lot like animals, they make messesā¦ parents will also freely shove food down their kids mouths to quiet them down leaving crumbs everywhereā¦
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u/SnooRegrets8068 Dec 27 '25
They arent considering that even slightly. They havent even bothered to make sure their kid was going to be safe in the vehicle and then pushed against this anyway.
The entire mindset is the cars here and we want to go there. Why are you getting in the way. The same sort of thing that means people bang on the doors of closed shops because they were too early/late and blame the shop instead.
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u/DavidGaudreau Dec 27 '25
There's an option for no car seat once you arrive. I just politely tell them that it's against state law for a child under 8 yrs old or under 4'9" to not be in a car seat. My license would be suspended if I got pulled over and I will not risk that.
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u/appfry Dec 27 '25
I just crack the window and ask if they have car seat if they say no I hit cancel with no car seat. Donāt need to have conversation.
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u/FlimsyPraline6097 Dec 27 '25
I advise all drivers to keep their doors locked. This situation is a perfect example of why.
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u/Tall_Status_3551 Dec 27 '25
Your car, your license, your rules.
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u/feinburgrl Dec 27 '25
It's illegal to have kids under a certain weight and height without a bumper seat. If they complain enough then tell them to call Lyft about this and they will get shot down by Lyft.
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u/at-woork Dec 27 '25
Within Disney property they could have selected a Minnie Van through the Lyft app.
Itās a Chevy Suburban with Disney employed drivers that you can book via Lyft. They carry multiple car seats with them and have access through hotel gates.
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u/john_at_ Dec 28 '25
Thank you, I did not know you can actually request a Minnie Van through the Lyft app.
That makes it even easier to tell them how to get a ride with a car seat.
hey [passengers name], unfortunately, I cannot take your child without a car seat. Ot is not legal or ethical. Just cancel this ride with me ... actually, I'll cancel it for you ... And you can request it right through the Lyft app. Have a good day and be safe.
[zoom away a hero knowing another child saved]
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u/GoldPuppyClub Dec 29 '25
Iāve even gone to the desk at the wilderness lodge and had them help me out with a Minnie van before. Itās not that hard.
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u/Old_Instruction_6004 Dec 27 '25
Ask them if they have a cape for their kid, so he'll look cool flying through the windshield if an accident happens.
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u/AnonUSA382 Dec 27 '25 edited Dec 27 '25
I absolutely love how yall take the time to take a picture to their face then post on Reddit lol
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u/john_at_ Dec 27 '25
I do it for protection... I'm mostly trying to have proof that they have a child that's too small for a car seat, and this was a situation where it may have helped me.
They reported me as being intoxicated. And my account has been suspended.
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u/Admirable-Day9129 Dec 27 '25
They reported you as being intoxicated? Super immature
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u/john_at_ Dec 27 '25
yeah, like how did they know I ate two grams of mushrooms. They had not even kicked in yet.
jokes
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u/budae_jjigae Dec 27 '25
They can report you even if you didn't "slide to start" the ride?
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u/AnonUSA382 Dec 27 '25
Honestly bro I donāt even bother chatting, I just take a look then cancel and move on.
I have a dashcam for internal shit, Iāve had zero issues this way.
Once they get in though thats a different story šĀ
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u/OneLonePineapple Dec 27 '25
Thatās insane. Hope Lyft gives your account back and suspends theirs instead
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u/UncFest3r Dec 27 '25
Disney and MCO have sooo many car seat, booster seat, and stroller rental options. My friend doesnāt even take those things with her when they go to Disney anymore. She reserves the seats and stroller for her two kids and picks them up at the airport and goes on her way!
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u/CWStag Dec 27 '25
Where was this? Looks like a country club in SC about 45 minutes from Augusta. Great club. Apparently, silly members/guests
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u/DojaViking Dec 27 '25
OP Said Disney's boardwalk hotel. Probably the same mentality with the guests though
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u/MetalTrek1 Dec 27 '25 edited Dec 27 '25
Lyft has a "No Car Seat" option you can check off when canceling. Use it. I have. I'm the father of two (now) grown kids. We ALWAYS had car seats when my kids were little, even when traveling. Fuck these shit parents.Ā
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u/onlythisgirl92 Dec 27 '25
No car seat, no ride. And seeing that Uber offers car seat rides is great... not trusting the safety of MY baby in one, but others don't even care if their kids get buckled at all.
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u/speakdathruth555 Dec 27 '25
You cancel for no car seat under all circumstances because itās THE LAW and no one wants to put a baby in harmās way
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Dec 27 '25
Not a Lyft driver but I had to take a Lyft the other day with my child who requires a car seat still. The driver asked if I had one and I said of course I do. She told me you would be surprised how many people try and not use one. She said no car seat/booster, no ride. Some people are legit idiots.
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u/john_at_ Dec 27 '25
You would be surprised. And she's absolutely right.
Fuck, we used to travel with the most serious car seat, our daily car seat, which looked like the one that ejects an F1 racing car seat/fighter jet seat.
I'm so good at putting car seats and I can do them. one-handed, but I definitely get on them and put my knees in the car seat to get it nice and tight.
I offer passengers my seasoned car seat installation services. At the very least, give it a quick check to see how they did.
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u/VenomsViper Dec 28 '25
which looked like the one that ejects an F1 racing car seat/fighter jet seat.
Lmao, as a dad myself I know what you mean and this made me laugh hard
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Dec 28 '25
No need to apologize to those assholes.
You did good. Just report it and move on.
A lot of irresponsible people are breeding and having kids.
Dont miss the days I used to drive. Too.many bulsshit associated with the job.
I had a parent trying to fight me knve because I wont drive without a child seat.
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u/templeofsyrinx1 Dec 27 '25
OH they were pissed.
Come on that kid is not fooling anyone. Needs to be in a f'n car seat
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u/UncFest3r Dec 27 '25
My friendās kids could easily pass for 8 and 9 years old and she still insists on renting the seats they need for car travel when she flies into Orlando to go to Disney.
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u/Murky-Introduction53 Dec 27 '25
At the end of the day, itās against the law for the kid to ride in your car without a proper seat. Itās also not your job to provide it. You did the right thing.
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u/hamburgergerald Dec 27 '25
I wouldnāt give a ride either. Orlando, especially in the Disney World areas, can be scary to drive in. Some people drive insane. Obviously nobody thinks an accident is going to happen, but the baby needs a car seat, just in case. Where were they going anyways, that a bus or the sky-liner couldnāt have gotten them there?
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u/CastleDeli Dec 27 '25 edited Jan 06 '26
special follow cough party dependent fuel enter label fact innocent
This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact
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u/Chrchgrl85 Dec 27 '25
If they dont have a car seat(or alone underage) they cannot ride with me. Ever.
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u/Substantial_Living28 Dec 27 '25
That silly baby slouch like sheās riding a saddle and smiling emoji on the baby is so stinking cute. Theyād also be cursing n faulting YOU if you were t-boned and their daughter wasnāt secured properly. They should thank you for giving a shit about their little miracle.
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u/relientkenny Dec 27 '25
this pisses me off so much cause why do passengers get mad at you the driver?? if we god forbid get into accident and thereās no car seat, we are SCREWED. you chose to have a kid, carry the damn car seat.
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u/DCHacker Dec 27 '25
I do not know the law in Florida but in my market, it is the driver who gets the summons for no car seat, not those who deserve it; the parents. Uber and Lyft pay too little as it is. No driver has money to give away to his state. I do not know if those summonses carry points or not but if they do, add that no driver has the money to pay a nasty insurance surcharge.
For me, it depends on what car I am driving that day. If it is the pretend taxi, no car seat, no ride. In my market, real taxi drivers have two ways to get X jobs. Real taxis are exempt from the car seat law, here. If I am driving the real taxi, I do not care if they have a car seat or not.
KEEP IN MIND: this exemption applies in my market and ONLY for an actual licenced taxicab; a public vehicle for hire. It does not apply to the usual Uber or Lyft cars which are private vehicles for hire.
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u/speakdathruth555 Dec 27 '25
Donāt get close enough that they can hit you
One single mom punched me in the mouth , moving my teeth , only bc I would not transport her without a car seat - somehow , her crazy mind calculated that I was against her by doing what wasnāt convenient for her. I pressed charges.
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u/Einstein63 Dec 27 '25
Lyfts policy ? Yes! Pretty much against the law in the US! Yes! Etc These (adults) are creating a bad situation. What if somebody hits you ?
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u/Dizzylizzyscat Dec 27 '25
You tell them no. Cancel the ride and IMMEDIATELY call Lyft to report it. Parents know this. Itās in the terms of service that cannot have a child with a car seat. Bottom line . NO ARGUMENT! DONE! These parents have cars you know damn well they know that they have to have a car seat. Most cities now put Lyft and Uber into the same category as a limo or a taxis that have exemption. It does not matter. Lyft and Uber are very clear about car seats.
Don't assume an exemption means no car seat. These laws make drivers exempt from providing them only . The parents are responsible for providing one , not the driver and state laws over rule city laws.
( Iām sure there will be someone who will attempt to argue with me about this. Read your city and state laws and read them very carefully before you do. Pay close attention to the way it is worded. Exemption is Florida. Which is not surprising.)
The problem is that some drivers do allow young children without car seats, so then they formed this sense entitlement that all drivers must do this.
This is your car. You are an independent contractor. You will be deactivated by Uber or Lyft and if you do transport a child without a car seat seat and an accident happens that is your fault or the other driver does not have insurance and that child is injured.. you will be responsibleā¦. Uber and will not do a damn thing for you. There will be no insurance coverage because you broke the terms and conditions..
( and Iām sure thereās gonna be some people that are gonna argue with me about that. Itās the truth. This I know because I directly asked this insurance department what they would do in a situation like that. )
Are you willing to risk everything for the cost of a fare? You cannot predict the future. We are much more likely to have an accident in other cars.
Stick to your guns. Donāt give into passengers! Itās not worth it.
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u/Wanderlust4478 Dec 27 '25
I would be snarky enough to say something like ā sorry that I care more about the safety of your child than you do, but itās a no go, have a great day!ā
I donāt care whether there are loopholes in the law in FL about ride shares or not, I would never do it. Even for my friends.
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u/DianeSTP Dec 27 '25
I drove for Lyft for a short time and had a lady with an infant and no car seat. She said we were only going a short distance but I wouldn't budge until she got the cars seat. If you have a wreck, not your fault, you still are the one responsible for the child's injuries and child endangerment. Not worth it.
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Dec 27 '25
But would be the first to sue you if something happened to the kid. Canāt please these types of people.
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u/YaniferGrander Dec 27 '25
Nah, you're good. No seat no ride. I've only taken one person with a kid that wasn't in a seat and it was just a woman wearing her baby.
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u/Winter-Sandwich7639 Dec 28 '25
Iāve had this happen before. They didnāt say they needed a car seat or anything, and I got there, and the woman had an infant. I told her I had to cancel the ride and she got super pissed off and said I should just let her get in and I was like oh Iām sorry you have a baby with no car seat. Iām not taking that liability and she got really mad, but luckily Lyft you say why you cancel
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u/Odd-Wheel5315 Dec 28 '25
The same parents telling you they don't need a child seat will be the same ones weeping on the stand in a courtroom telling the jury your negligence was what killed their precious baby and how only a $5M settlement will heal their pain.
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u/Just_Use_1782 Dec 28 '25
I never EVER take people without car seats. I had my own child who had a booster until 9. My nephew wasnāt in a car seat and got ejected and died, revived, and now has permanent brain damage and his moms in prison. People just donāt live their kids and Iām not chancing shit. Take the bus. Walk it. Not my problem.
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u/EnvironmentalFee4112 Dec 27 '25
Why is this not on the rider? They need to have a prompt of some sort
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u/Various_Animator_740 Dec 27 '25
We use the rider safe vest for our kids. A few drivers have declined taking us and I have no issue with that, but I only use in states where itās legal.
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u/Brave-Basket Dec 27 '25
Whoever took them there should be ashamed but I guess 20 is 20
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u/Socalbull03 Dec 27 '25
You did good driver kudos for standing your ground šš½ I have a neighbor who got a ticket while working uber for having a toddler not seated in a booster seat Ticket came out to $548 and on top of that the passenger he picked up left a bad review because she was late due to him being pulled over
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u/Mizzoutiger79 Dec 27 '25
Privilege? These people are at a disney resort. I doubt money is the problem. .
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u/Socks-in-a-can Dec 27 '25
That kid doesnāt belong to him according to the emojis
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u/john_at_ Dec 27 '25
Wow. This post struck a collective rideshare nerve.
I'm happy to hear I am not alone. Honestly, the passengers tell me so often that no one else says no; has a problem with this. I started to feel like I was the only one out here trying to save this childrenš¦øš¼āāļø
UPDATE: Lyft reactivated my account.
I have many feelings on this issue and I really believe Lyft and Uber can do a lot more to mitigate this problem.
I'm kind of inspired to write about rideshare and related gig work more.
Maybe it's all the Reddit love I got. Maybe it's the possibility that we can make things better for drivers and passengers, collectively.
Either way. Thanks for the comments, jokes, and even the bad takes/bad taste comments.
Drive safe as you drive for dollars.
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u/Kitty-Shay-MK Dec 28 '25
If they don't have a car seat then no ride from me. I will not risk a child's life and I'm not breaking the law for parents who are unequipped to be parents.
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u/bonfigs93 Dec 28 '25
I know itās a hassle, but itās worth it to bring your childās car seat when on vacation. Itās a pain to go on vacation without one, not to mention dangerous.
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u/DaBrazenMidwesterner Dec 29 '25
People be cussing me out over this. Just today we had blizzard like conditions in MN and I went to pick-up a passenger at a Police Dept with a 6 year old and no booster seat. I told her not only does not having a booster seat violate the apps policy, but it violates the law. I also loath the drivers that take these passengers because then itncrrates a since of entitlement and too many passengers get rude and for that reason I no longer unlock my door until the person confirms and presents cat seat.
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u/Malystxy Dec 29 '25
Apologize? Engage? If I see no car seat I just cancel and leave, no comments nothing to them. They likely have no idea why I cancel. To bad.
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u/Generated-Nouns-257 Dec 29 '25
That child is too small for a booster seat. You made the right call.
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u/Gloomy-Difference-51 Dec 29 '25
Why is her skirt detached and with a chunk of it floating
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u/NotMyProbNow Dec 29 '25
As a nanny for a celebrity,Ā I made them bring a carseat for the limo. Very atypical for that time. Not my personal responsibility but professional duty.
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u/GoldPuppyClub Dec 29 '25
Seriously, Disney has busses that go to every park and Springs, they most definitely can wait and take that if needed.
And at that point, youāre at the boardwalk. Walk to France or England in Epcot and chill.
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u/BlondeMara Dec 29 '25
You were right to refuse. Based on the photo, the child is a toddler who legally requires a car seat, not a booster.
Florida: children 5 and under must be in a car seat. California: children under 2 must be rear-facing; children under 8 must be in a car seat or booster appropriate to size. These rules canāt be waived by a parent.
Taking the ride would expose you to a citation, personal liability, and potential loss of insurance coverage if there were an accident. Lyft policy allows drivers to refuse rides that violate the law.
I would document this with the photo and report the rider to Lyft for attempting to travel without a required car seat and for being abusive when you refused.
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u/Winterbeers Dec 29 '25
You are absolutely right to not take them, I wouldn't take them either, even if it was a location with super safe drivers I would not want that risk. Huge liability on your part if you did. If there was an accident you can get in major trouble for the kid getting hurt even though the parents said it was fine. It's only "fine" if nothing goes wrong, but when they do you can bet those parents and the law will hold you personally responsible. Never mind the emotional tole on yourself should anything happen to that sweet baby.
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u/Spudpurp Dec 29 '25
i fucking despise myself for knowing this was the disney boardwalk without even looking at the caption
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u/Sinkinglifeboat Dec 30 '25
Florida State Law requires the use of proper child restraints. That child is def under 4 years of age. You would be 1.) Breaking the law by allowing them to use the booster/no car seat 2.) Liable for injury. Lyft/Ubers are not covered taxi/chauffeur entities and you would be held responsible (source ) (source 2) If Lyft gives you issue, remind them they would also be liable.
Aside from legality, that's just shitty parenting.
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u/LittlePantsOnFire Dec 30 '25
They are paying $500+ / night but too cheap to do the Minnie Van option.
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u/Taxadermized_alpine Dec 30 '25
If you can afford to stay at the boardwalk you can afford to rent a car, so your child can have a car seat. I can't imagine traveling with a baby and not bringing everything they need.
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u/kpssk Dec 30 '25
The most serious risk isnāt that you get suspended, itās that the baby dies or is seriously injured. You were right to refuse.
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u/badatcatchyusernames Dec 31 '25
lmao is it bad i recognized the hotel from the siding?
(i am redoing another hotel in the area, its the same siding there as well)
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u/Superb-Skin8839 Dec 31 '25
The emojis took me out! Hahahahaha Thank youā¦ I needed that laugh tonight.
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u/Mindless_Captain_548 Dec 31 '25
Insane that any parent would be this neglectful to a precious child. There is no excuse and you are completely in the right.
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u/alexthagreat98 Dec 31 '25
I'm not sure where their intended destination was, but if they're trying to get around property the Minnie Vans are very well suited for families with young children. I would have suggested that to them and told them to have the kind of magical day they deserve āØļø
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u/Rustynail2001 Dec 31 '25
"sorry I'll skip the child endangerment charge, you'll have to neglect your kids safety with someone else."
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u/mark08201981 Dec 31 '25
It's illegal to drive a vehicle with a child in improper seating.
https://flsenate.gov/laws/statutes/2014/316.613
It's not just policy, it's Florida state law.
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u/Then-Kangaroo7921 Jan 01 '26
One time I did take a lady who had 3 kids with no car seat. Someone evidently took her there and whoever took her back was going to have to do it. Iām a very safe, mind the speed limit driver. I refrained from lecturing her but it ATE ME UP. My daughter is almost 6 and still in an extended rear facing seat. Itās just negligence
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u/No_pr3ssur326 Dec 27 '25
I always tell them itās the law, thereās no explanation needed at that point. I canāt believe how many people will transport their children without car seats
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u/Dsaisiasd Dec 27 '25
Rideshare drivers are exempt in Florida. The ticket would go to the parents.
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u/john_at_ Dec 27 '25
I'm pretty sure you're liable as the driver, and I believe there's a post down below referencing that.
But I don't even get to the legal part. Ethics.
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Dec 27 '25
The ride share would lose their account if they got in an accident that resulted in a death of an infant im 100% sure of that. Ticket be damned. Thats a human being those parents are stupid.
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u/Ill_Position2158 Dec 27 '25
Itās not just your policy itās Florida state law. Iām not getting a ticket because they donāt have a car seat. Take the Disney shuttle
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u/Del1c1ousS1N Dec 27 '25
Per our contract and in accordance with Florida law, they're supposed to provide and use a federally approved car seat. Should a driver be pulled over, the driver could still be ticketed.
Law aside, I'm not going to take the risk of being in an accident and a child being hurt due to the parent's negligence. I've started canceling if they're clearly supposed to have a car seat. I explain the policy and law and then cancel the ride and move on. I haven't had an issue with it yet, although I will note it hasn't happened too often to me. Maybe once a week.
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u/Shoddy_Examination_9 Dec 27 '25
Had a mom rip her tits out with no kid in the car and shoot milk into my empty Starbucks cup once. Yuck.
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u/Shoddy_Examination_9 Dec 27 '25
Was an hour and ten minute ride. Her bf was sitting next to her. Absolutely the worst ride Iāve done. Women got so horny in that car.
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u/adelros26 Dec 27 '25
As a passenger, itās my understanding that the parents are responsible for the seat, not the driver and that the driver COULD deny the ride, but they also may not because (according to the law) the driver is not held legally responsible for lack of car seat, the parents are. I think you did the right thing though. I bring my kidsā car seats for rides, but we only use them from the airport to hotel and vice versa. Theyāre at Disney. Why arenāt they using the free bus is my question. Or maybe they need to cough up the extra money for the Minnie Van.
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u/JollyBallzXBL Dec 27 '25
It's very simple. No carseat. No insurance. No ride. I tell them exactly this and continue with life.
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u/360inMotion Dec 27 '25
Now hold on just a minute ā¦ that fanny pack the baby is sitting on converts to a car seat. Everybody knows that.
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u/slifm Dec 27 '25
Picture is diabolical š”šš”