Change to law relating to smoking in vehicles

From 1st October 2015 it will be illegal for a person to smoke in a private vehicle if there is another person present under the age of 18. It will also be an offence for a driver (including a provisional driver) not to stop someone smoking in these circumstances.

There is a fixed penalty fine of £50 although the police are able to use their discretion in issuing a warning, penalty notice or court referral.

This is to provide better protection for children and young people from the dangers of second hand smoke. Breathing in someone else’s smoke is dangerous for anybody but is particularly bad for children who are especially vulnerable to its effects, including increased risk of serious diseases such as cancer, respiratory diseases and meningitis.

Visit the Department of Health website to read the guidelines on the new rules about tobacco, e-cigarettes and smoking.