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 Minnesota, leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle is considered a serious matter, particularly due to the risks associated with heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. Minnesota Statute 609.378 provides that a parent, legal guardian, or caretaker who willfully deprives a child of necessary food, clothing, shelter, health care, or supervision appropriate to the child's age, when the person is reasonably able to make the necessary provisions and the deprivation harms or is likely to substantially harm the child's physical, mental, or emotional health, is guilty of neglect. This statute could apply to situations where a child is left unattended in a vehicle, especially under conditions that pose a risk to the child's health or safety, such as extreme temperatures. Additionally, leaving a child in a car could result in charges of endangerment, and Child Protective Services may investigate instances of neglectful supervision. It is important for caregivers to understand that even a short period of time in a hot vehicle can be dangerous and potentially fatal for children.