Smoking in Cars

Dear travel enthusiasts,

Spring is slowly, but surely sneaking around the corner and you may start making travel plans. Therefore, we would like to familiarize you with traffic laws in Germany and abroad in the upcoming weeks.

This information cannot be exhaustive, as it can vary from country to country. We would like to draw your attention to a few regulations and possible penalties. Please familiarize yourself with the traffic regulations of the country you wish to visit. Ignorance of the law is no defense.

SMOKING BAN IN CARS IN SOME EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

In several European countries, smoking is prohibited in cars. Violations are sometimes punished with heavy fines.

The smoking ban serves to protect minors.

There are some exceptions for convertibles.

In some countries, a corresponding ban is being discussed.

In some Scandinavian countries, as well as in Germany, the Netherlands and Poland, the introduction of a smoking ban in cars is being discussed.

Belgium: Smoking, also e-cigarettes, is prohibited in cars if people under the age of 18 are in the vehicle. Violation fines start at €130. An exception applies to convertibles.

England and Wales: Smoking is prohibited in vehicles if people under the age of 18 are in the car. Violation fines start at £50 (approx. €58). Exception made for convertibles. E-cigarettes are not covered by the ban. The fine must be paid by the driver and smoker.

Finland: Smoking is prohibited in cars if children under the age of 15 are in the vehicle. The ban also applies to e-cigarettes.

France: Smoking, also e-cigarettes, in cars is prohibited if people under the age of 18 are in the vehicle. Violations are usually punished with a fine of €135.

Greece: Smoking, also e-cigarettes, is prohibited in cars if children under the age of 12 are in the vehicle. Violations are punishable by a fine of up to €1,500.

Ireland: In Ireland, smoking is prohibited in a car if a person under the age of 18 is in the vehicle. Violations are punishable by a fine of €100 or more. The ban does not apply to e-cigarettes.

Italy: Smoking in cars is banned when pregnant women or minors are present. Fines range from €50 to €500 for smoking with pregnant women or children under 12, and €25 to €250 for passengers aged 12 to 17. The ban does not apply to e-cigarettes.

Norway: In Norway, smoking, also e-cigarettes, is prohibited in cars if people under the age of 18 are on board. Violations are punishable by a fine of NOK 3,500 (approx. €300).

Luxembourg: Smoking is prohibited in private cars when children under the age of 12 are in the vehicle. The ban also applies to e-cigarettes. Violation fines range from €25 to €250.

Austria: Smoking, also e-cigarettes, is prohibited in cars if at least one person under the age of 18 is present. Violation fines are possible up to €100, or up to €1,000 in the case of repeat offenses.

Slovenia: In Slovenia, smoking is prohibited in cars in the presence of persons under the age of 18. The ban also applies to e-cigarettes. Violations are punishable by a fine of €250.

Scotland: In Scotland, smoking is prohibited in cars if persons under the age of 18 are on board. Anyone violating this rule may face a fine of £100 (approx. €115). E-cigarettes are not prohibited.

Czech Republic: No general ban on smoking in cars. However, smoking is prohibited on all single-track vehicles. Motorcyclists, moped riders, and cyclists must not smoke while riding. Fines are CZK 1,500 (approx. €60).

Cyprus: Smoking, also e-cigarettes, is prohibited if minors under the age of 16 are in the car.  Violations can cost up to 85 euros.

Switzerland: There’s no specific ban on this if road safety isn’t affected. However, major distractions — such as taking too long to light a cigarette — can be fined as a breach of the duty of care.

Caution: Falling cigarette: A dropped cigarette in a car can be dangerous. Anyone who bends down to pick up a burning cigarette loses focus on the road, which can quickly cause an accident. Insurances view this as gross negligence, meaning drivers may have to cover the damage themselves.

Throwing cigarette butts out of the window: Anyone throwing a cigarette out of their car is not only polluting the environment but may also face a fine of between €20 and €50.

This careless act can have serious consequences. If a cigarette is blown into a motorcyclist’s visor, they may be startled, crash, and get injured, making the smoker liable for negligent bodily injury. Flicking a cigarette out of a car window can even spark a forest fire.

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