CHAPTER 9
CHILDREN, UNATTENDED

SECTION:

6-9-1:    Leaving Children In A Vehicle Without Adult Supervision

6-9-1 LEAVING CHILDREN IN A VEHICLE WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION:

A.    It is unlawful for any person, while operating or in charge of a vehicle, to park or willfully allow such vehicle to stand upon a public highway or a public place with its vehicle engine off, leaving a child or children under the age of six (6) years without adult supervision.

1.    “Without adult supervision” means no adult or person of responsible age is physically present in or within ten (10) feet of the vehicle for five (5) minutes or longer while the vehicle engine is turned off.

2.    “Adult” means a person over eighteen (18) years of age.

3.    “Person of responsible age” means a person over eleven (11) years of age.

    Violation of this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor as defined in RCW 9A.20.021(3) as it currently exists or is amended in the future.

B.    It is unlawful for any person, while operating or in charge of a vehicle, to park or willfully allow such vehicle to stand upon a public highway or in a public place with its vehicle engine running, leaving a minor child or children under the age of sixteen (16) years unattended in the vehicle. Violation of this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor as defined in RCW 9A.20.021(3) as it currently exists or is amended in the future. Upon a second or subsequent conviction of this subsection or its equivalent under the RCW, the department shall revoke the operator’s license of such person.

C.    It is unlawful for any person having the care and custody, whether temporary or permanent, of minor children under the age of twelve (12) years, who shall leave such children in a parked automobile unattended by an adult while such person enters a tavern or other premises where vinous, spirituous, or malt liquors are dispensed for consumption on the premises. Violation of this subsection shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor as defined in RCW 9A.20.021(2) as it currently exists or is amended in the future. Upon a second or subsequent conviction of this subsection or its equivalent under the RCW, the department shall revoke the operator’s license of such person. (Ord. 5635, 11-14-11)