What an odd condition of the law!

[elfs]

Yamaraashi-chan yesterday asserted that it was "illegal" for me to leave her in the car. I asked her if she knew there was such a law in Washington State, or if she had just heard this third-hand. She was sure it existed.

Well, I went and looked it up.

RCW 9.91.060: Leaving a child unattended in a parked vehicle.

Every person having the care and custody, whether temporary or permanent, of minor children under the age of twelve 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 shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

I wonder why the "condition" is there at the end? I would bet most kids who've died baking in a car were left there by someone who was forgetful for some reason other than drink.

It's also illegal to leave a child in a car if the motor is running.

Comments

[lisakit.livejournal.com]

This law simply states that it is illegal to leave the child in the car if you're going into a place where it's possible to consume alcohol. There's no other actual law in the RCW relating to leaving your child in a parked car. It's just common sense not to.

On a humorous note, you also better not hug your sweetie while driving according to RCW 46.61.665

[kengr]

I'm surprised. There is such a law in Oregon. And in many other states from what I hear. Or if not a "law" it's something that the "Children's Services" folks can use as a justification to take the kid away until you prove to their satisfaction that you are *no longer* an unfit parent...

[lisakit.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure what the child welfare laws are. It's possible they are under state agency law (which is different than the Revised Code of Washington). I wouldn't be surprised if our child services used such an action as a proof of negligence, but there's nothing in our codified law other than the one regarding the potential for alcohol consumption.