New Calif. Law Bans Smoking with Kids in the Car

New Calif. Law Bans Smoking with Kids in the Car
October 11, 2007

News Summary

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed into law a measure prohibiting smoking in cars while driving with anyone under age 18, the Associated Press reported Oct. 11.

"Protecting the health of our children is among government's highest responsibilities," said bill author state Sen. Jenny Oropeza. "It is clear that increasing public awareness about the dangers of secondhand smoke is the right thing to do."

Violators will face fines of up to $100; the law takes effect Jan. 1.

Recent Harvard School of Public Health research found that the risk from secondhand smoke in a car can be up to 10 times higher than the risk from secondhand smoking at home.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Posted by Sarah on 15 Mar 08 09:30 PM EDT

I understand that secondhand smoke is dangerous. However I think that ANY law that tells people what they can or cannot do in the privicy on thier own vehicle or in the open outdoors is crossing the line. Pretty soon we will be told what foods we cannot feed our children. It comes down to responsibilty. I have never smoked in my car with the windows rolled up. If the window is rolled down or even cracked, the smoke goes right out the window.

Posted by Jane on 23 Nov 08 09:30 PM EST

Have you ever sat in the back seat of a car while someone is smoking in the front, with the window down? It does not go out the window. Thank God for people like Arnold who are protecting our kids. It may not be right to tell you, an adult, what to do to yourself in your own car, but someone needs to have a voice for the kids who do not have the power to protect themselves. I am tired of selfish people thinking about what THEY want and how THEY are being inconvenienced. Why aren't more people thinking about the KIDS.

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