Beginning January 1, State Law Prohibits Smoking in Vehicles with Minors
Beginning January 1, a new California law will go into effect that prohibits smoking in cars when children under the age of 18 are present. According to Christy Kessler, Supervising Health Education Coordinator with the ElDorado County Public Health Department, the “Smoke-free Cars with Minors” law was passed to protect children from exposure to secondhand smoke. The law only allows law enforcement officers to site an individual if they have stopped the car for another offense, however, a fine of up to $100 can be issued to the driver if they are in violation of the new smoke-free law.
“Children are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of breathing secondhand tobacco smoke in a confined space, such as a car or truck,” said Kessler. “The new law requires drivers who smoke to refrain from smoking while a child is present in the vehicle.” The law applies both when the vehicle is moving and when it is parked.
More information about the law, including a fact sheet and document on frequently asked questions is available at the Public Health Department’s website –
www.co.el-dorado.ca.us/publichealth.
Smoking in Vehicles With Minor Passengers
Add: Health and Safety Code Article 2.5 to chapter 4 of Part 15 of Division 104. Amend: Vehicle Code §12814.6 (SB 7 Chapter 425)
- Makes it an infraction punishable by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) for a person to smoke a pipe, cigar, or cigarette in a motor vehicle any time a minor is present in the vehicle.
