The specific law that addresses this issue is California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 15620, which states: "No person shall leave a child under the age of 6 years unattended in a motor vehicle."
This law applies to any situation in which a child under the age of 6 is left alone in a motor vehicle, even if the vehicle is parked and turned off. There are no exceptions to this law, and it is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of the potential consequences of leaving a child unattended in a vehicle.
If a child is left unattended in a motor vehicle, the driver of the vehicle could be cited and fined by the CHP. In addition, the driver could also be held liable for any injuries that the child sustains while unattended.
In some cases, leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle could even be considered child endangerment, which is a more serious crime. Child endangerment is a crime that occurs when a parent or caregiver fails to provide adequate care for a child, and it can carry severe penalties, including jail time.
