202.575 - Leaving child unattended in motor vehicle; penalty; exception. - Nevada Statutes

202.575  Leaving child unattended in motor vehicle; penalty; exception.

      1.  A parent, legal guardian or other person responsible for a child who is 7 years of age or younger shall not knowingly and intentionally leave that child in a motor vehicle if:

      (a) The conditions present a significant risk to the health and safety of the child; or

      (b) The engine of the motor vehicle is running or the keys to the vehicle are in the ignition,

Ê unless the child is being supervised by and within the sight of a person who is at least 12 years of age.

      2.  A person who violates the provisions of subsection 1 is guilty of a misdemeanor. The court may suspend the proceedings against a person who is charged with violating subsection 1 and dismiss the proceedings against the person if the person presents proof to the court, within the time specified by the court, that the person has successfully completed an educational program satisfactory to the court. The educational program must include, without limitation, information concerning the dangers of leaving a child unattended or inadequately attended in a motor vehicle.

      3.  A law enforcement officer or other person rendering emergency services who reasonably believes that a violation of this section has occurred may, without incurring civil liability, use any reasonable means necessary to protect the child and to remove the child from the motor vehicle.

      4.  No person may be prosecuted under this section if the conduct would give rise to prosecution under any other provision of law.

      5.  The provisions of this section do not apply to a person who unintentionally locks a motor vehicle with a child in the vehicle.

      6.  As used in this section, “motor vehicle” means every vehicle which is self-propelled but not operated upon rails.

      (Added to NRS by 2005, 973)