States with Policies
2006
Arkansas
- First state to pass law.
- Representative B. Mathis (D) introduced the ban because it fit in with the aggressive anti-tobacco intiaitives statewide.
- Senator Terry Smith (D) sponsored the bill and signed it into law.
- Primary Offense
- No Smoking with Children under the age of 7, or less than 60 pounds in the car
- follows same age / weight guidelines as Child Safety Seat Laws
- $25.00 fine, waived if adult smoking takes cessation course
- More for health education and promotion than for punishing the smoker
Louisiana
- Representative G. Smith (D) introduced the ban into legislature because it could potentially prevent health problems that children could have from second-hand smoke inhalation.
- Senator Rob Marionneaux (D) amended the ban to include other public places such as restuarants in addition to in vehicles with children. He Sponsored and signed the ban into law.
- No smoking with children under the age of 13 in the car
- $150.00 fine
2007
Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, Vermont, Washington
- Passed legislation that foster parents were not allowed to smoke in cars with their children.
- Some of the states also made smoking in the homes with foster children illegal.
Puerto Rico
- Governer Anibal Acevedo Vila, supported and promoted the law
- At the time, this was one of the strongest smoke-free laws in North America
- Created the "Clean Air Act", which made workplaces, all public buildings, and cars smoke-free
- This initiative was created to protect workers and families. It was decided that people should not have to choose between work and good health
- No smoking with children under the age of 13 in the car
- $250.00 fine
Bangor, Maine
- Primary Offense
- No smoking with children under the age of 18 in the car
- Warnings given the first year, $50.00 fine after the first year
Keyport, New Jersey
- No smoking in cars carrying children under the age of 17
- $ 75.00 fine
Rockland County, New York
- No smoking in cars carrying children age 18 and under
- $50.00 fine
2008
California
- Signed into law by Governer A. Schwarzenegger (D) as a cancer prevention measure
and an opportunity for health education
- No smoking in cars carrying children under the age of 18
- $100 Fine
Maine
- Advocated by many public health initiatives and children's alliances
- It was sponsored by Representative Duprey (R - Hampden)
- Primary offense
- No smoking in cars carrying children under the age of 16
- Warning given the first year, $50.00 fine given after the first year