{"id":1936,"date":"2026-05-14T06:31:26","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T06:31:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/14\/can-i-leave-my-kid-in-the-car-while-i-run-an-errand-what-california-law-says-2\/"},"modified":"2026-05-14T06:31:26","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T06:31:26","slug":"can-i-leave-my-kid-in-the-car-while-i-run-an-errand-what-california-law-says-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/14\/can-i-leave-my-kid-in-the-car-while-i-run-an-errand-what-california-law-says-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I leave my kid in the car while I run an errand? What California law says"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Running errands can quickly eat up your day \u2014 especially when you factor in traffic, multiple stops and kids in tow.<\/p>\n

Read more Caitlin Clark scores 23 as Fever handle Sparks for first win<\/a><\/p>\n

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If you\u2019re only running into a store for a minute, it might seem harmless to leave your child waiting in the car.<\/p>\n

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However, California has strict rules about when children can legally be left unattended in a vehicle.<\/p>\n

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With temperatures heating up across the state, weather experts are reminding parents to think twice before leaving a child alone in the car.<\/p>\n

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\u201cBe on guard even if it\u2019s not hot outside,\u201d the National Weather Service wrote in an X post on Monday, May 11.<\/p>\n

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Here\u2019s what California law says about leaving kids in the car alone:<\/p>\n

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BEHIND THE STORY <\/h3>\n

MORE <\/p>\n

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Why we did this story<\/h3>\n
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Our community-driven series \u2014 How to California \u2014 is here to answer your questions about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel in the Golden State. <\/p>\n

McClatchy\u2019s service journalism team, focused on helping our readers navigate daily life, works in communities across the state, including San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Merced, Modesto and Sacramento. <\/p>\n

Ask us your questions \u2014 big and small \u2014 by emailing howtocalifornia@mcclatchy.com or filling out a form here. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Can I leave a kid alone in a car in California?<\/h2>\n

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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 1,000 children have died from heatstroke over the past 25 years after being left or trapped inside hot vehicles.<\/p>\n

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\u201cHot car deaths can occur even when the outside temperature is below 70 degrees,\u201d the National Weather Service said.<\/p>\n

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Kaitlyn\u2019s Law \u2014 also known as Senate Bill 255 \u2014 makes it illegal in certain situations to leave a child 6 years old or younger alone in a vehicle.<\/p>\n

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The law was passed in 2001 after the death of an infant named Kaitlyn Russell, who died from hyperthermia after being left in a car by a babysitter, according to Kids and Car Safety.<\/p>\n

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When can a child be left alone in the car?<\/h2>\n

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Under California Vehicle Code, children under age 6 can be left in a car under the supervision of someone who\u2019s at least 12 years old.<\/p>\n

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However, both children cannot be left unattended in a vehicle if conditions such as hot weather could put any child\u2019s health or safety at risk.<\/p>\n

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You also can\u2019t leave kids unattended if the vehicle is running, or the keys are left in the ignition or inside the vehicle.<\/p>\n

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Can my baby stay in the car if the windows are open?<\/h2>\n

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According to Kids and Car Safety, children should never be left alone in a vehicle \u2014 even if the air conditioner is running or the windows are cracked open.<\/p>\n

Read more White Sox reach elusive .500 mark, take down Royals<\/a><\/p>\n

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The nonprofit organization said that the temperature inside a car can rise dangerously fast, putting children at risk of heatstroke and other serious emergencies.<\/p>\n

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What are risks of leaving kids in vehicles?<\/h2>\n

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According to Child Safety Link, there are several other dangers tied to leaving a child unattended in a vehicle.<\/p>\n

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For instance, children could:<\/p>\n

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