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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 South Dakota, there is no specific statute that directly addresses leaving a child unattended in a vehicle. However, general child endangerment laws apply. Under South Dakota Codified Laws (SDCL 26-10-1), it is illegal to expose a child under the age of seven to conditions that could endanger the child's life or health. This could include leaving a child unattended in a car, especially under conditions that pose a risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Violation of this law can result in a Class 4 felony if the child's life is endangered or a Class 1 misdemeanor in other cases. Additionally, such an act can be considered neglectful supervision and may be investigated by Child Protective Services (CPS), potentially leading to further legal consequences and interventions to ensure the child's safety.

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Child supervision

child unattended in motor vehicle

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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South-Dakota State Code

South-Dakota State Code

Child supervision

child unattended in motor vehicle

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