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 Virginia, it is illegal to leave children unattended in vehicles under circumstances that pose a risk to the child's health or safety. Virginia law § 18.2-371.1(B) states that any parent, guardian, or person responsible for a child under the age of 18 who leaves that child in any place while the person is absent or otherwise unable to provide care and protection may be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor if the child is under the age of 8 and is left alone in a motor vehicle. The law emphasizes that this is particularly dangerous if the motor vehicle is running or if the health of the child is at risk. If the child suffers a serious injury or death as a result of being left in the vehicle, the responsible adult may face more severe charges, including felony child neglect. Additionally, Child Protective Services in Virginia may investigate instances of a child being left unattended in a vehicle as potential neglectful supervision.