Laws Concerning Parents Leaving Children Unattended in Vehicles
Only 18 states have laws that prohibit parents from leaving their child in a car unattended. That doesn't mean, however, that a parent won't face criminal charges in states that don't have such a law. The rules and regulations around leaving children alone in a car are complex and can get messy. A clear understanding of the basics and what can happen when children are left alone might motivate parents to always take their child inside with them.
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Laws
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California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas and Washington prohibit parents and caregivers from leaving children alone in the car, according to Safe Kids USA. The exact age, however, depends on the state. In California, children under the age of 7 can't be left unattended in a vehicle while the law in Maryland states that parents can't leave children under the age of 8 unattended. The amount of time varies, too. In some states children can't be left for more than five minutes, while in other states children can't be left alone for any length of time.
Additional Rules and Regulations
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The definition of unattended varies by state, whether or not there is a law in place regarding being left alone in cars. In certain states, such as California, a child isn't considered unattended if an older child who is at least 12 years old is also in the car. In other states, children can't be left alone if they are minors, which is defined as a child under the age of 18. You might face additional criminal charges if you leave your child in the car with the engine running, if you leave the keys in the ignition or if if you leave your child unattended while you spend time in a bar or tavern.
Fines and Punishments
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In some states with laws regarding leaving children left alone in the car, you would receive a misdemeanor charge that may or may not come with mandatory jail time, usually up to one year. You would probably be required to pay a fine whether you get jail time or not. These fines vary from state to state and can range anywhere between $50 and $1,000. In other states, such as Connecticut, you could face a felony charge, which can result in jail time and a fine of up to $10,000. Additional punishments might include the loss of your driver's license or intervention from child protective services.
Dangers
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If criminal charges and fines aren't enough, consider the dangers to your child when you leave him alone in the car. Though very rare, your car could be stolen with your child in it, or he might be abducted from the car. On hot days, the interior of your car can heat up to 131 to 172 degrees Fahrenheit when parked in direct sunlight. These extreme temperatures can cause heatstroke or death. According to Texas A&M University, in 2003, 42 children died after being left in a hot car. Your child might also play with the controls and accidentally put the car in motion or inhale toxic fumes, both of which can occur if you leave him in the car while it's running.
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