Government set to announce smoking ban inside cars carrying children

One of the most talked about measures which finance minister is expected to announce in this afternoon’s Budget speech will be a smoking ban in cars when children are present, Sunday newspaper Illum reported.

The controversial law is set to be introduced as part of government’s campaign against passive smoking. Smoking bans in private vehicles are enacted to protect passengers from secondhand smoke and enhance road safety. 

The law is expected to punish smoking whenever an under-18 is in a car, with smokers liable even if the windows are down.

A similar law was introduced in England and Wales in October 2015, with drivers and passengers who break the law facing a penalty fine of £50.

However, British police initially took a non-confrontational approach. Similar bans are inplace in Australia, Bahrain, Cyprus, France, Mauritius, South Africa, UAE and in a number of US states.

Moreover, other countries, including the Netherlands and Finland are in the process of introducing a similar ban.

Malta banned smoking in all enclosed public spaces, including public transportation, clubs and restaurants in 2004.