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Utah Code § 76-5-115

Leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 173, 2025 General Session

(1)

(a) As used in this section:

(i) "Child" means an individual who is younger than nine years old.

(ii) "Enclosed compartment" means any enclosed area of a motor vehicle, including the passenger compartment, regardless of whether a door, window, or hatch is left open.

(iii) "Motor vehicle" means an automobile, truck, truck tractor, bus, or any other self-propelled vehicle.

(b) Terms defined in Section 76-1-101.5 apply to this section.

(2) An actor commits leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle if:

(a) the actor intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence leaves a child in an enclosed compartment of a motor vehicle;

(b) the motor vehicle is on:

(i) public property; or

(ii) private property that is open to the general public;

(c) the child is not supervised by an individual who is at least nine years old; and

(d) the conditions present a risk to the child of:

(i) hyperthermia;

(ii) hypothermia; or

(iii) dehydration.

(3) A violation of Subsection (2) is a class C misdemeanor.

(4) This section does not apply if the actor's conduct that constitutes a violation of this section is subject to a greater penalty under another provision of state law.

(5) This section preempts enforcement of a local law or ordinance that makes it an infraction or a criminal offense to engage in the conduct that constitutes a misdemeanor under this section.

(6) Notwithstanding any provision of state law to the contrary, a conviction under this section may not be used by a state or local government entity as grounds for revoking, refusing to grant, or refusing to renew, a license or permit, including a license or permit relating to the provision of day care or child care.

Official source: Utah State Legislature. Reproduced from public-domain Utah statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.