Smokefree Cars for Kids

New law goes into effect January 1, 2014, making smoking with minors in cars illegal.

Oregon drivers caught smoking cigarettes with kids in the car may now face a fine of up to $250 under a new state law. Effective January 1, 2014, smoking in a motor vehicle with a person under the age of 18 present will be a secondary traffic violation.

Secondhand smoke is classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a Group A carcinogen and is shown to cause cancer in humans. According to the EPA, secondhand smoke in cars is especially harmful to children because of the small, confined space. Secondhand smoke levels are more concentrated, which is particularly damaging to developing lungs. Children in an estimated 50,000 Oregon families are currently exposed to secondhand smoke in motor vehicles, according to the Oregon Health Authority.

Studies have found that rolling car windows down while smoking does not protect passengers from dangerous levels of secondhand smoke. A 2006 Harvard School of Public Health study also found that secondhand smoke levels in vehicles exceeded hazardous levels on the EPA’s Air Quality Index  even when windows were slightly or wide open.

Once in effect, police officers will be able to ticket smokers for violating this law if they stop the driver for a separate traffic violation or other offense. Individuals can be fined up to $250 for the first offense and up to $500 for second or subsequent offenses of smoking with a minor present in the vehicle. 

If you or anyone you know is ready to quit using tobacco, the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line can help: www.quitnow.net/Oregon. Feel free to contact Polk County Tobacco Prevention and Education Program Coordinator Matthew Stevenson at 503-623-9664 Ext. 2302, or email stevenson.matthew@co.polk.or.us with any questions.