INDIANAPOLIS -- In Indiana, it's illegal to break into a hot car to save an animal.
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But what if it's a child?
In Indiana, the laws are a little clearer when it comes to children trapped in hot cars.
According to Indiana law, you would be immune from civil liability if you break into a car to rescue a child under a few circumstances:
- The vehicle must be locked or there is no other way to get the child than to break in
- You must have a "good faith belief" that breaking into the vehicle is necessary and the child is in danger of being harmed if you don't
- You have to call emergency services before you break in, if possible. If that isn't possible, you have to call immediately after
- You can't use "more force than necessary" to break into the vehicle
- You have to stay with the child until a law enforcement officer arrives
