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 Utah, leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle is considered a serious matter, especially given the risks associated with extreme temperatures. Utah law (Utah Code § 76-10-2202) prohibits leaving a child 9 years of age or younger unattended in a motor vehicle. This law is particularly concerned with the dangers posed by leaving children in cars during hot weather, which can lead to heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. Violation of this statute can result in charges ranging from a class C misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the circumstances and the harm caused to the child. Additionally, such an act can be deemed neglectful supervision and may trigger an investigation by Child Protective Services (CPS), which could lead to further legal consequences, including the possibility of losing custody of the child.