Parents are being warned they could face fines for leaving kids alone in vehicles — even just briefly
Just nipping in? Legal experts say don’t risk it — leaving your child alone in the car could lead to a fine or even prison time
With school holidays in full swing and heatwaves making even short errands feel like a mission, it can be tempting to leave your kids in the car while you nip into the shop. But legal experts are warning parents that leaving a child alone in a car, even for a minute, could land you in legal trouble.
“Many parents believe it’s fine to leave their child in the car while they run into the shop or fill up with petrol. But if that child comes to harm, or if the car is stolen with the child inside, the consequences can be devastating — legally and emotionally,” says Adam Jones, a legal expert at HD Claims.
“There’s no legal time limit that makes it 'safe'. If something goes wrong, you’re responsible — and that can lead to serious charges.”
There’s no specific law against it, but you can still be prosecuted
In the UK, there’s no law that bans leaving children unattended in a car. But if children are placed at risk in a car, parents could be in violation of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933. The Act says it is a criminal offence to leave a child “in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health”.
Depending on the circumstances, legal consequences could include: a police warning or caution, an unlimited fine, or up to 10 years in prison in extreme cases of neglect.
The law doesn’t specify an age at which it’s ok to leave children on their own, but the NSPCC advises that children under three should never be left alone, and doesn’t recommend that children of primary school age are left alone for long periods of time.
How can leaving a child unattended in a car be dangerous?
Even if you’re just popping into a shop for five minutes, there are things that can go wrong when leaving a child in a car.
- Heatstroke: Cars can heat up rapidly in summer, even when it’s mild outside, and young children are especially vulnerable to overheating.
- Car theft: Thieves target cars left running or unlocked. If your child is inside when that happens, it could become a serious child endangerment case.
- Emotional distress: Even a few minutes alone can be frightening for children, especially toddlers. Panic or fear might lead them to try to climb out of their seat or open doors or windows.
- Bystander reports: Worried passers-by may contact the police or record the situation on video. In many cases, emergency services respond quickly, and you could be investigated even if your child seems fine.
What should parents do instead?
When you’ve got a buggy to unfold, a toddler mid-nap or a preschooler mid-tantrum, the idea of getting everyone in and out of the car for a two-minute stop might feel exhausting. But safety — and the law — come first.
Here’s what parents are advised to do:
- Never leave babies, toddlers, or young children in a vehicle
- Always take your child with you — even if that means a few extra minutes or inconvenience
- If you're struggling to manage errands alone with little ones, consider asking a friend or family member for help or using delivery services where possible
- If you see a child left alone in a car, especially in hot weather or if they appear distressed, call 999 immediately