Smoking bans in private vehicles
A ban on smoking in cars is prohibited to let burn tobacco (and often similar substances ) in the passenger compartment of an automobile. Bans on smoking in cars were pulled from various points into consideration:
Road safety
The historically older consideration is the risk of road traffic. From this point to the driver (and only the driver) are prohibited from smoking while driving. It does not matter if other people, especially children, are in the vehicle. Argued is the fact that the driver, similarly distracted by handling the cigarette, especially the search for the same and their lighting as by calling or texting. In addition, a falling burning cigarette lead to panic reactions. Finally, can set fire thrown out the window cigarette other vehicles or their charge. Some serious traffic accidents can be attributed to smoking. For the case-law, the district court ruled Lüneburg in 2002 commented: " it can be assumed that a certain levity is already to be seen in that is smoked while driving. This impairs the ability to drive if only because he can not use both hands exclusively for holding and operating the steering wheel [ the driver ] while smoking. "
The attitude towards smoking while driving was not critical until the 1990s. Mid-20th century, there was even a very positive attitude to smoking at the wheel. The ADAC reported about 1952 by an English study of the " safety-first organization," according to which " drivers under the influence of nicotine less alcoholic impairment of its transport services reach " than without. Who smoked drunk, drove it were safer; the nicotine thus dampened the effect of alcohol - a scientifically unproven theory. Swedish studies have indeed shown that the led " mishandling of the cigarette or cigar at the wheel " to " incidents ", but was " fighting this smoke generic bad habits in a short time entirely possible ." The author of the article says, " more important " was to explore what types of tobacco which motorists stopped at the longest awake at the wheel. This would require " the ongoing cooperation between the tobacco and the motorist associations are saved ."
Non smoking protection
More recently, the recognition of the harmfulness of passive smoking has prevailed. In this respect, not only to the driver, the smoking, but every person in the vehicle, but only if several passengers in the vehicle. In addition, as a rule, the condition that it must be at the persons present in the vehicle to minors.
Forest fires
Thrown out the window cigarette butts regularly cause fires. Examples are (according to fire statistics of the southern French département Bouches -du- Rhône) attributed 16 % of the local forest fires thrown from vehicles cigarette butts ( and 13.8 % on discarded cigarette butts of pedestrians ).
Countries and territories with smoking ban in cars
Australia
In Queensland applies from January 2010 banning smoking in cars when minors are present under the age of 16. The fee for issuing a warning ( on the spot fine) is 200 Australian dollars.
In South Australia, was established in May 2007, a ban on smoking in cars when minors are present under the age of 16. Penalties of 75 to 200 Australian dollars are provided.
In Tasmania, it has been banned since January 1, 2008, smoking in vehicles with minors under 18 years. There is a toll warning of 110 Australian dollars.
In Victoria shall apply from 1 January 2010, a ban on smoking in cars when minors under the age of 18 are present.
In Western Australia enters 2010, a ban on smoking in cars with minors under 16 years in power.
In Greece, smoking is prohibited in vehicles since December 2010, when carrying children under 12 years.
Canada
In British Columbia since April 1, 2009, a ban on smoking in vehicles with minors under 16 years applies.
In New Brunswick, since January 1, 2010, the ban on smoking in cars when minors are present under the age of 16.
In Nova Scotia, it is forbidden since 1 April 2008 vehicles to smoke with persons under the age of 19.
In Ontario, it has been banned since January 21, 2009 in cars to smoke with minors under 16 years.
South Africa
A law was passed, which prohibits, among other things smoking in vehicles where are minors under the age of 12.
USA
Bans on smoking in cars exist (with different age limits ) in Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Maine and Oregon, as well as in Puerto Rico. and at local level in various counties and cities.
United Arab Emirates
On January 6, 2010, a federal law was signed, which replaces the smoking bans that already existed in some emirates. Among other things, this law prohibits smoking in vehicles where children are under 12 years of age.
Cyprus
In Cyprus, it is forbidden to smoke in private vehicles, in which minors are under 16 years of age.
Planned bans on smoking in cars
Finland plans to ban smoking in cars when children are in it. In addition, smoking is generally prohibited in places where there are children.
In Italy smoking is 5 points ( points driving license) will be punished at the wheel with 250 € and.
In Israel, the introduction of a ban on smoking in cars in the Knesset is discussed.
Canada
The province of Saskatchewan is planning a ban on smoking in cars when minors are under the age of 16 in the vehicle.
Poland
The Polish government is working on a far-reaching smoking ban, especially in rooms where children are under 13, including private vehicles and even homes.
Taiwan
The Republic of China (Taiwan ) is planning a ban on smoking in cars, on motorcycles and pedestrians on sidewalks. The reason the traffic safety and pollution are indicated by discarded cigarette butts. For smoking ban for pedestrians must be remembered that it is uncommon in East Asia ( especially in Japan), to smoke while walking.
Other States
Smoking bans for cars are discussed in several countries of the European Union, when minors are in it, such as in England, Ireland and the Netherlands, as well as in the European Parliament itself in contrast to Finland and Italy are in the German-speaking countries, however, no concrete ( governmental or parliamentary ) law projects.