Leaving an Unattended Child in a Vehicle

Leaving Your Child Alone in a Car

When the summer heat kicks in, do you think it is safe to leave your child in the car while you just run into a store for a few minutes?

Are they safer in a locked car than outside in the sun? If you answer yes, think again.

The consequences of leaving a child unattended in a vehicle on a hot summer day can be deadly.

Heat stroke tragedies can happen to anyone: your child, your pet, and even loving, caring, attentive parents.

It Doesn’t Take Long

It does not take long for a small child or animal to be affected by heat.

Because of their small body mass and size, they heat up faster. And the heat is always more intense inside a car than outside in the sun.

The difference can be as much as 30 degrees. Even cool temperatures in the 60s can cause the temperature to rise well above 110 degrees Fahrenheit inside your car when the sun is shining.

And it happens quicker than most people think; the inside temperature can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes.

The Danger of Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion can occur at temperatures above 90 degrees, and heatstroke can occur when temperatures rise above 105 degrees.

If not treated immediately, heat exhaustion often leads to a heatstroke, which can cause permanent damage to your brain and other vital organs and even result in death.

With respiratory systems that are still developing, children are particularly vulnerable to heat exhaustion.

More than 30 children die yearly after being left or trapped in a hot car. Even if you aren’t a parent, you should learn the facts about child heatstroke.

Is It Legal to Leave a Child Unattended in a Car?

The simple answer is no!. Leaving a child unattended in a car is typically illegal, with severe consequences.

Texas is just one state that has criminalized the act of knowingly or intentionally leaving your child in a vehicle. If you leave a child age seven or under alone in a vehicle for five minutes or more, you can face a Class C misdemeanor. If the child is injured, the charge could become a felony. Penalties include up to two years behind bars and a fine of up to $10,000. If you leave your child in the vehicle for more than five minutes in Texas, someone 14 years or older must supervise the child. (Read more.)

In California, children under six may not be left alone in a motor vehicle. Someone aged 12 or older must be with the child. The parent or guardian will face criminal charges if the child is harmed. A question about this law is common on the California written knowledge test. Make sure you read the information about leaving children unattended in a vehicle.

Other States with Laws against Leaving Children Unattended

Other states that have criminalized leaving children unattended in a vehicle include Washington (children up to 16 years), Pennsylvania (6 years), Nebraska (6 years), Missouri (10 years), Michigan (6 years), Maryland (8 years), Louisiana (6 years), Kentucky (8 years), Illinois (6 years), Hawaii (9 years), Florida (6 years), and Connecticut (12 years)

Remember, even if a state does not have a specific law prohibiting you from leaving children unattended, state and local prosecutors can criminally charge you under existing child endangerment laws.

Children should never be left alone in a vehicle.

Even if you leave the car for a few minutes, bring your kids.

Always lock your car and ensure nobody else can access keys or remote entry devices.

Can You Pass Your State’s DMV Test Today?>

Photo “heat stroke” by NTHSA, illustration “Where’s Baby” by safecar.gov.