Legislation

Is there a law in your state regarding leaving children unattended in a vehicle? How should you go about finding which states have laws about leaving children unattended in motor vehicles?

As you know, each state creates its own set of motor vehicle laws. Please look at the map below to see if your state has a law regarding children being left unattended in motor vehicles. Contact us if your state does not have a law and you would like to help propose legislation to your legislators.

Model Legislation

Click here to see model legislation

Where they exist, are these laws enforced

As for enforcement of these laws (or any other motor vehicle law), it is sporadic and often based on coincidence (being in the right place at the right time), opportunity (having the time to enforce motor vehicle law) and priority (some laws are more strictly enforced than others).

What should the public do when they see a child alone inside a car?

If, at any time, you are concerned about the welfare or safety of a child (or an adult), please contact the police. Once notified, they become responsible for taking action.

If the children are safe, wait for the parents or caregiver to return to the vehicle if you can. At a minimum, leave a copy of the "Not Even For a Minute" brochure on their windshield.