Ohio Proposes Weakest Smoking Ban in Cars with Children Nationwide

Ohio smoking ban cars children

Ohio lawmakers have introduced a bill that would make it illegal to smoke in a vehicle with a child present, but the proposed age limit for the child passenger would establish it as the weakest such law in the country. Senate Bill 106, sponsored by State Senator Charleta Tavares (D-Columbus), would impose a $500 fine for smoking in a car with a child younger than 6 years old.

While the bill aims to protect children from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, its age restriction falls short compared to similar laws in other states. Of the eight states that currently have smoking bans in cars with children, all have higher age limits:

  • California and Oregon: 18 years old
  • Maine: 16 years old
  • Arkansas: 14 years old
  • Louisiana: 13 years old
  • Vermont and Virginia: 8 years old

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has adopted a resolution encouraging all states to pass legislation prohibiting smoking in cars with children under 18. The AAP cites evidence linking children’s exposure to environmental tobacco smoke with increased rates of lower respiratory illness, middle ear infections, asthma, and sudden infant death syndrome.

Senator Tavares’ office has indicated that the bill is in its early stages and may undergo changes as it receives further hearings and input from individuals and organizations. While Ohio’s proposed fines for violators are higher than those in states like Maine ($50) and California (up to $100), the age limit remains a point of contention.

As the legislative process unfolds, advocates hope that Ohio will strengthen its stance on protecting children from secondhand smoke in vehicles, aligning its efforts more closely with the recommendations of medical professionals and the stricter standards set by other states.

Matthew Ma
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