Louisiana § RS 32:295.3 - Leaving children unattended and unsupervised in motor vehicles; prohibition; penalties
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 32:295.3 — Leaving children unattended and unsupervised in motor vehicles; prohibition; penalties, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 32:295.3. Leaving children unattended and unsupervised in motor vehicles; prohibition; penalties
A. It is unlawful for any driver or operator to leave a child or children under the age of six years unattended and unsupervised in a motor vehicle.
B.(1) The term "unattended" as used in this Section means a child who has been left in a motor vehicle when the driver or operator of the vehicle is more than ten feet from the vehicle and unable to continuously observe the child.
(2) The term "unsupervised" as used in this Section means an unattended child when a person ten years of age or older is not physically present in the motor vehicle.
C.(1) A law enforcement officer who observes a child left unattended and unsupervised for a period in excess of ten minutes in violation of the provisions of this Section shall use whatever means are reasonably necessary to protect the child and remove the child from the motor vehicle.
(2) If the child is removed from the immediate area by a law enforcement officer pursuant to the provisions of this Section, the law enforcement officer shall place notification on the motor vehicle. The law enforcement officer shall hold the child until the parent or guardian returns.
D. Whoever violates this Section shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both. For each second or subsequent offense, the defendant shall be subject to imprisonment, with or without hard labor, of not less than one year nor more than two years and a fine of not less than one thousand dollars nor more than two thousand dollars, or both.
E. Any law enforcement officer acting in good faith pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall have immunity from any civil liability that otherwise might be incurred or imposed.
Acts 2003, No. 1032, §3; Acts 2005, No. 30, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 32:295.3
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 32:295.3 cover?
Section RS 32:295.3 ("Leaving children unattended and unsupervised in motor vehicles; prohibition; penalties") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 32:295.3?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 32:295.3" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 32:295.3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.