Pennsylvania Proposes Fines for Smoking in Cars with Kids

Pennsylvania State Senator Gene Yaw, R-Lycoming County, has introduced a bill that would impose fines on drivers who smoke in a vehicle with a child under the age of 13. The measure, Senate Bill 667, passed the Senate Transportation Committee on Wednesday by a vote of 11-3.

Under the proposed law, smoking with a child in the car would be classified as a secondary offense. This means that a driver would need to be pulled over for another violation before being cited for smoking in the presence of a minor. First-time offenders would face a $100 fine, while subsequent offenses would carry a $250 penalty.

Eight States Already Have Similar Laws

Pennsylvania is not alone in considering such legislation. According to the Public Health Law Center, eight states – Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Maine, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Virginia – as well as Puerto Rico and Guam, already have laws that impose fines on drivers who smoke with children in the vehicle. The age threshold for the child passenger varies by state, ranging from 8 to 18 years old.

Senator Yaw’s memo seeking co-sponsors for the bill highlights the numerous health problems that secondhand smoke can cause in infants and children, including more frequent and severe asthma attacks, respiratory infections, ear infections, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). As the bill moves forward, lawmakers will need to weigh the potential public health benefits against concerns about government overreach and enforcement challenges.

Author
Recent Posts

Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.