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TCA 55-10-803

Offense of leaving child unattended in motor vehicle – Penalty

MISDEMEANOR BClass B Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply

What does this charge mean?

Offense of leaving child unattended in motor vehicle – Penalty — Class B misdemeanor. Up to 6 months in jail and $500 fine. Penalty may be enhanced for prior offenses or aggravating factors.

Penalty Details

ClassificationClass B Misdemeanor
Maximum Jail6 months
Maximum Fine$500
Penalty SummaryClass B misdemeanor; 6 months; fine up to $500
(a) It is an offense for a person responsible for a child younger than seven (7) years of age to knowingly leave that child in a motor vehicle located on public property or while on the premises of any shopping center, trailer park, or any apartment house complex, or any other premises that is generally frequented by the public at large without being supervised in the motor vehicle by a person who is at least thirteen (13) years of age, if: (1) The conditions present a risk to the child’s health or safety; (2) The engine of the motor vehicle is running; or (3) The keys to the motor vehicle are located anywhere inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. (b) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor punishable only by a fine of two hundred dollars ($200) for the first offense. (c) A second or subsequent violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor punishable only by a fine of five hundred dollars ($500).
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 26, 2026

Quick Facts

MISDEMEANOR B
TCA Section55-10-803
Max Jail6 months
Max Fine$500