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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 Ohio, leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle is considered a serious matter, especially due to the risks associated with heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. Ohio law does not have a specific statute that makes it illegal to leave a child unattended in a vehicle. However, general child endangerment statutes apply. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2919.22, it is a criminal offense to create a substantial risk to the health or safety of a child by violating a duty of care, protection, or support. Therefore, leaving a child in a car, particularly in hot weather, could result in charges of child endangerment. Additionally, such an act can be investigated by Child Protective Services as neglectful supervision, which may lead to further legal consequences, including the potential loss of custody or parental rights.

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Child supervision

child unattended in motor vehicle

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Ohio State Code

Ohio State Code

Child supervision

child unattended in motor vehicle

Articles