Posted on February 08, 2012 by Fiona Hilliard

 

This week, the Welsh government is launching a high profile campaign to stub out smoking in cars with children on board, but you might be shocked to learn that right now in some countries, it is already illegal…

 

 

 

Canada:

• Smoking while anyone under 16 is present in the vehicle is banned in the provinces of British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador,  Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan and Yukon Territory.  In Nova Scotia, smoking is banned in vehicles while people under the age of 19 are present.

 

United States:

• Arkansas – under age 14, since March 30, 2011

• California – under age 18, since January 2008

• Loma Linda, CA – under age 18, since July 24, 2008

• Martinez, CA – under age 18, since June 5, 2009

• Rohnert Park, CA – under age 18, since May 28, 2009

• Monroe County (unincorporated cities), Indiana – under age 14, since April 8, 2009

• Hawaii County, Hawaii – under age 18, since August 8, 2010

• Louisiana – under age 13, since August 2006

• Maine – under age 16, since September 1, 2008

• Bangor, Maine – under age 18, since January 19, 2007

• Keyport, New Jersey – under age 18, since April 2007

• West Long Branch, New Jersey – under age 18, since June 20, 2007

• Rockland County, New York – under age 18, since June 15, 2007

Smoke like a chimney? Bear this information in mind the next time you’re picking up Larnaca car rental or Nice car hire for your family holiday in Europe:

 

• Cyprus – Smoking in cars not permitted while travelling with children aged under 16.

 

• France – Smoking in cars is not permitted while travelling with children aged under age 16.

 

• Puerto Rico – Smoking in cars is not permitted while travelling with children aged under 13

 

Australia:

Six Australian states already ban smoking in cars. These states include South Australia, Tasmania, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia and New South Wales.  A seventh state will join them in May 2012.

Smoking in cars is completely banned in the following countries, regardless of whether children are present:

• South Africa
• Bahrain
• Mauritius

 

‘Fresh Start’ Campaign for Wales:

The three-year “Fresh Start Wales” campaign is being funded by the Welsh government and will ask parents not to smoke in their cars if children are present.

The first phase of advertising will focus on local radio, billboards, buses and bus shelters and a dedicated website – www.freshstartwales.co.uk

First Minister Carwyn said, in July, the Welsh Government would consider pursuing a ban on smoking in cars carrying children if exposure to second-hand smoke in cars does not start to fall within the next three years.