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 Tennessee, leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle is considered a serious offense, especially due to the risks associated with heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. Tennessee law (T.C.A. § 39-15-401) defines child abuse and neglect to include leaving a child unattended in a vehicle if it poses a risk to the child's health or safety. The state's Good Samaritan law (T.C.A. § 29-34-209) also allows bystanders to break into a vehicle to save a child if they believe the child is in imminent danger due to heat and other conditions, provided they follow certain steps such as attempting to locate the vehicle's owner and informing law enforcement. Child Protective Services may investigate instances of children left unattended in cars as potential neglectful supervision. Penalties for leaving a child unattended in a vehicle can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the circumstances and the harm caused to the child.