New smoking regulations come into affect 1 October 2015
From 1 October it will be illegal for anyone to smoke in a car with someone under the age of 18. This new smoking regulation is being put into action in a bid to combat the issues of exposing young people to second hand smoking.
The new rules mean that the driver could face a fine of up to £50 if they do not stop smokers from smoking in their car with an under 18 present, the smoker will also face a fine of £50.
These charges will still apply if air conditioning is on and if windows, doors or sunroofs are open. Vehicles that are included in the ban are motorhomes, campervans and caravans, unless they are being used as a living accommodation. The regulations will exclude people who are using E Cigarettes.
However, 17 year old drivers are still allowed to smoke in the car, unless they have passengers under the age of 18.
The Department of Heath says: “Every time a child breathes in second hand smoke, they breathe in thousands of chemicals. This puts them at risk of serious conditions, such as meningitis, cancer and respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. It can also make asthma worse.”
Along with the new car smoking regulations there will be new rules being put into place on October 1 that will mean retailers can no longer sell tobacco products, E cigarettes or E cigarettes liquids to people under the age of 18.
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