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Child supervision

child unattended in motor vehicle

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 Hawaii, leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle is addressed under Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 291C-121.5. This law makes it illegal for a caregiver to leave a child under the age of nine unattended in a motor vehicle for more than five minutes. The law recognizes the dangers of leaving children in cars, particularly the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses, which can lead to severe health consequences or death. Violation of this statute is considered a petty misdemeanor and can result in fines and other penalties. Additionally, such an act can be deemed as neglectful supervision and may trigger an investigation by Child Protective Services (CPS), which could lead to further legal consequences, including potential loss of custody or criminal charges depending on the severity of the situation and harm to the child.

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Child supervision

child unattended in motor vehicle

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Hawaii State Code

Hawaii State Code

Child supervision

child unattended in motor vehicle

Articles