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 Michigan, leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle is addressed under state law MCL 750.135a. This law makes it a misdemeanor to leave a child under six years old unattended in a vehicle if the conditions present a risk to the child's health or safety. The risk can be due to various factors, including but not limited to, the weather conditions, the vehicle's engine being running, or the keys being left in the ignition. If the child suffers physical harm as a result of being left in the vehicle, the charges can be more severe, potentially leading to felony charges. Additionally, such an act can be considered child neglect and may trigger an investigation by Child Protective Services (CPS), which can result in various consequences, including the possibility of losing custody of the child.