California Puts the Breaks on Lighting Up in Cars with Kids

By Alison Gonzalez

Published on October 12, 2007

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill Wednesday that bans smoking in vehicles where minors are present, adding to the list of places where smoking is illegal, such as government buildings, parks, schools, and restaurants.

Under the new law, drivers and passengers can be fined $100 when pulled over for smoking in a car containing children under 18.

The violation is considered a secondary offense, meaning an officer cannot pull someone over just for that violation. It is also considered a minor infraction, meaning the violation cannot affect your driving record.

The California Highway Patrol intends to strictly enforce the law for the health and welfare of children, said CHP officer Joe Vega.

The law is a huge step in allowing children the right to clean air. Dr. Steve Hansen said lungs that are damaged during critical growth phases can be harmful to children for the rest of their lives, and can subject them to diseases like lung cancer.

California joins two other states with similar smoking bans. In Arkansas, drivers are not permitted to smoke in cars with children under age six. Drivers in Mississippi are not allowed to smoke when children under age 13 are present.

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