Crime & Safety
Ask a Trooper: Can I Leave My Child Unattended in the Car, Even For Just a Minute?
Washington State Patrol District 1 spokesman and recruiter Guy Gill answers your questions about the rules of the road.
Q: Can I leave my child unattended in the car while I return a shopping cart or drop something off inside? It'll only take a minute.
A: It is unlawful for any person, while operating or in charge of a vehicle, to leave a minor child or children under 16 years old unattended in the vehicle. It is also illegal to park or willfully allow your vehicle to stand on a public highway or in a public place with its motor running, with a minor under 16 unattended in the vehicle.
Any person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon a second or subsequent conviction for a violation of this section, the department shall revoke the operator's license of such person.
Find out what's happening in University Placewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
My advice… Don’t do it! You just never know who you could be parked next to or around and it’s not even worth taking a chance.
Trooper Guy Gill is the Washington State Patrol recruiter and spokesman for District 1, covering Pierce and Thurston counties. Follow him at @wspd1pio on Twitter.
Find out what's happening in University Placewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
What have you always wanted to ask a state patrol officer? Tell us in the comments.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.