New WA law protects people who break into cars to help kids, pets. How it works
Can you break into a car in Washington state to rescue a trapped child or pet?
Although smashing a car window to save a kid or dog could once put you at risk of a lawsuit, a new state law provides protection for so-called “good Samaritans.”
Starting Sunday, July 27, anyone who enters a locked vehicle to rescue a vulnerable person or pet is protected from legal action,thanks to House Bill 1046.
Washington joins around two dozen states with similar laws.
Here’s what to know:
What is Washington’s new ‘Good Samaritan’ law?
A group of Washington state legislators introduced HB 1046 in December.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed the bill into law on April 30.
State Rep. Mari Leavitt of Pierce County, one of the bill’s sponsors, said the new law is intended to “protect the most vulnerable in our communities.”
“Too often, people hesitate to act in emergencies because they fear legal consequences,” Leavitt said in a Facebook post. “HB 1046 ensures that doing the right thing won’t be punished when someone’s life — or a pet’s — is on the line.”
Can I get in trouble for breaking into a car to rescue a child?
The new law provides “immunity from civil liability for damage to a motor vehicle arising from the rescue of vulnerable persons or domestic animals.”
In order to be protected by the new law, however, you must meet certain criteria.
First of all, you have to check that the vehicle is locked and that the vulnerable person or pet inside can’t exit without your help.
You also need to act in good faith under the belief that the pet or person is in danger — and that breaking into the car is necessary to protect them.
If those criteria are met, you need to try to notify law enforcement.
You’re only protected under the law as long as you don’t use more force than is necessary to get into the car and wait with the person or pet in a safe location until help arrives.
Who is considered ‘vulnerable’ under state law?
Under the new law, you’re only allowed to break into a car to rescue “vulnerable” people or pets.
The law defines a “vulnerable person” as anyone under the age of 18 or someone who is unable to perform daily functions due to disability or aging.
Only animals that can be kept as household pets are covered by the law, and it doesn’t apply to farm animals or livestock.
Can kids or pets die after being left in a hot car?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, around 37 children die of heatstroke each year after being stuck in a hot car.
Around half of those deaths are caused by caregivers forgetting about the children, the federal traffic safety agency said,while another quarter involve kids who climb into unlocked cars.
In Washington, six children have died after being left in hot cars since 1998, according to the National Safety Council.
PETA estimates that a total of 111 pets, primarily dogs and cats, died from being left in hot cars in 2024, and 82 have died so far in 2025.
The temperature inside a parked car can reach dangerous and possibly deadly levels in as little as 10 minutes, according to the National Weather Service.
What are common heat stroke symptoms? How is illness treated?
How do you know if a child or pet is suffering from heat stroke?
According to the weather service, common symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea and pale and clammy skin.
Heat stroke, which is considered more serious, can cause excessive sweating, dizziness and fainting, as well as cause hot, red or dry skin.
If you believe someone is suffering from heat stroke, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends calling 911 for help.
You should also move the person to a cool, shaded area; remove their outer clothing and apply cold water, an ice bath or a wet cloth to their skin, circulating the air around them.
If someone’s suffering from heat exhaustion, the CDC said, call 911 or take them to the emergency room.
You can also move them to a cool area, remove unnecessary layers of clothing, apply a cold compress and encourage them to drink water.
What are signs of heat illness in dogs?
According to the American Kennel Club, symptoms of heat illness in dogs can include the following:
Panting
Drooling
Red mucous membranes around the mouth
Dry nose
Muscle tremors
Bleeding from the mouth
Vomiting
If your dog displays those symptoms, move them to a shaded area and check their temperature.
If your pet’s body temperature drops below 105 degrees, seek the help of a veterinarian.
If your dog’s body temperature is higher than that, the Kennel Club said, apply cool but not cold water to their skin with a hose or sponge until it reaches 103 degrees.
This story was originally published July 27, 2025 at 10:00 AM with the headline "New WA law protects people who break into cars to help kids, pets. How it works."