What is Texas law about leaving children in a vehicle?

Texas Penal Code § 22.05 makes it a crime to leave a child in a vehicle if:

1. You know or should reasonably know that the child will be exposed to an unreasonable risk of physical harm; and

2. You leave the child in a vehicle intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly for longer than 5 minutes.

Exposure to an unreasonable risk of physical harm means exposure to circumstances or conditions likely to cause:

1. Harm to the child's health or welfare, including serious physical injury or death; or

2. Bodily injury or mental or emotional injury.

Punishment

Leaving a child in a vehicle is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500.

Additional Information

There are a few exceptions to the law, including:

1. If you leave the child attended by another responsible person who is at least 13 years old.

2. If you leave the child in a locked vehicle with the air conditioning on and the windows cracked, and the vehicle is in a safe location.

3. If you leave the child in a vehicle because of an emergency situation.

If you observe a child left in a vehicle alone, you should:

1. Dial 911 immediately.

2. Tell the dispatcher the child's location, age, and condition.

3. Stay on the scene until help arrives.