You should not leave a child unattended in a motor vehicle for any length of time. If children are trapped inside cars—especially in hot weather—they can suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke in a matter of minutes, leading to permanent disability or death. Heat stroke, also known as hyperthermia, can cause shock, seizures, irregular heartbeat, and heart attack, as well as brain, liver, and kidney damage. Leaving a child unattended in a car is also a form of neglectful supervision that is investigated by Child Protective Services.
In Texas, leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle is addressed under the Texas Penal Code Section 22.10. This law states that it is a criminal offense to knowingly or intentionally leave a child in a motor vehicle for longer than five minutes if the child is younger than seven years old and not accompanied by someone who is at least 14 years old. Violation of this law can result in a Class C misdemeanor, which may escalate to a higher charge if the child is harmed. Additionally, such an act can be considered as neglectful supervision and may trigger an investigation by Child Protective Services (CPS). CPS investigations can lead to various consequences, including the implementation of safety plans, court-ordered services, or in severe cases, removal of the child from the parent's custody. It is important to note that Texas experiences high temperatures, which can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke, making it especially dangerous to leave a child unattended in a vehicle.
