Smoking in a car with children is now illegal, though police will take a non-confrontational approach to begin with.
The law has been made effective today across England and Wales, with Scotland planning to introduce a similar law in the near future.
You now face a £50 fine if you are found to be smoking in a car that is carrying minors, furthermore, you will be fined if you allow a passenger to smoke in your car if anyone under the age of 18 is present. You cannot avoid the fine by opening your window or sunroof, however the law doesn't apply if you are driving a convertible with the roof down.
The new law has caused a fair amount of controversy with many claiming that it is pointless as it would be too hard for the Police to enforce. Even the Police have admitted they will take a pretty lackadaisical approach to enforcing the law to begin with. On the other hand, some have argued that the law should be seen as more of a deterrent, and a further push at making smoking socially unacceptable.
The British Lung Foundation claim the best part of 500,000 children are exposed to second hand smoke in cars every week.
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