Utah criminal charge
Leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle in Utah
Leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-115. Its classification is not fixed: Utah assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-115.
What is the penalty for leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 90 days (Leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle — A violation of the elements in Subsection (2) constitutes this offense.) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
| Fine | up to $750 (Leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle — A violation of the elements in Subsection (2) constitutes this offense.; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
Applies to current (2026 General Session).
How is leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle | Class C Misdemeanor | A violation of the elements in Subsection (2) constitutes this offense. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-115(3) |
Common questions about leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle in Utah
Is leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
What are the penalties for leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle in Utah?
Penalties for leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle in Utah depend on how it is classified — from a Class C Misdemeanor up to a Class C Misdemeanor — with the ranges set by Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Utah statute covers leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle?
Leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-115 (Leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.