Smoke-Free Cars

The Law

An amendment to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act banning adults from smoking in cars where children under the age of 16 are present came into effect January 21st, 2009.

Under the law, any person – driver or passenger – in the motor vehicle, who smokes or holds lit tobacco while someone else under the age of 16 is present, is committing an offence. The person holding lighted tobacco would be subject to a set fine of $250. Police officers will enforce the law.

The law applies to both moving and stationary vehicles and applies to all motor vehicles, regardless of whether any window, sunroof, rooftop, door, or other feature of the vehicle is open. Air fresheners are not a solution; they do not remove the toxic chemicals absorbed into the upholstery, carpet, and safety seats. They only cover the smell.

Secondhand Smoke in Vehicles (link to the portion about SHS) and in that section, between SHS in Timiskaming and Exposure to Adults, add:

Second-hand smoke in motor vehicles can be up to 27 times greater than in a smoker’s home.

And, the Smoke-Free Ontario Act prohibits smoking or holding lit tobacco in motor vehicles where children under the age of 16 are present. Those who do could be subject to a $250 fine.