Buenos Aires Proposes Heavy Fines for Smoking and Vaping While Driving
Provincial Deputy Viviana Romano has introduced a bill in the Buenos Aires Legislature to penalize drivers who smoke or vape behind the wheel. The initiative aims to reduce road collisions caused by driver distraction and sudden physical hazards inside moving vehicles.
The proposal notes that handling smoking devices diverts attention from the road and impairs vehicle control. Dropping hot ash or burning embers onto clothing or vehicle upholstery can trigger involuntary driver reactions, loss of steering control, or accidental vehicle fires.
If passed, the law will establish fines between 20 and 100 Fixed Units (UF). Based on the current UF value of $2,271 ARS, financial penalties will range from $45,420 to $227,100 ARS.
Sanctions will increase progressively for repeat infractions. When non-compliance creates serious risks to public safety, judges will have the authority to suspend the driver’s license for up to 30 days.
The restriction covers traditional cigarettes, cigars, pipes, vapes, and electronic nicotine delivery systems. Revenue collected from these fines will fund road infrastructure upgrades, traffic checkpoints, and public safety awareness campaigns.
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