§ 22-37. Leaving a child unattended in a vehicle.

(a)

Children left unattended in vehicles.

(1)

It shall be unlawful for any person to leave a child under the age of ten years of age unattended in a motor vehicle. For purposes of this section, the term "unattended" shall mean that the person is outside the motor vehicle and is unable to continuously observe the child.

(2)

Emergency services personnel who observe a child left unattended in a motor vehicle in violation of this section may use whatever means reasonably necessary to protect the minor child and remove the child from the vehicle.

(b)

Penalty. Violation of this section shall constitute a class B misdemeanor and shall be punishable as set forth in section 1-8. In addition to the penalty provisions set forth in section 1-8, the judge may order any person convicted of a violation of this section to attend and complete an education program relating to improving parenting skills.

(Code 1988, § 22-19.5; Ord. No. O-51-02, § 1, 7-11-2002)