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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 Vermont, there are no specific statutes that directly address leaving a child unattended in a vehicle. However, general child endangerment laws apply. Under Vermont law, it is considered a crime to expose a child to danger or to act in a way that could harm the child's health or welfare. This means that if a child is left unattended in a motor vehicle and is exposed to conditions that could lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or other harm, the responsible adult could be charged with child endangerment. Additionally, such an act could be considered neglectful supervision and may be investigated by Child Protective Services (CPS). The consequences for leaving a child unattended in a vehicle can include criminal charges, fines, and even imprisonment, as well as intervention by CPS.

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Child supervision

child unattended in motor vehicle

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Vermont State Code

Vermont State Code

Child supervision

child unattended in motor vehicle

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