Calif. bans smoking in cars with kids

Marc · 10-16-2007, 08:23 AM

Calif. bans smoking in cars with kids
By STEVE LAWRENCE, Associated Press Writer
Thu Oct 11, 6:04 AM ET

California motorists will risk fines of up to $100 next year if they are caught smoking in cars with minors, making their state the third to protect children in vehicles from secondhand smoke.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday signed a bill that will make it an infraction to smoke in a vehicle if someone under age 18 is present. But the traffic stop would have to be made for another offense, such as speeding or an illegal turn, before the driver could be cited for smoking.

The ban, which takes effect Jan. 1, joins a string of smoking prohibitions adopted in California, including a ban on smoking in enclosed workplaces and within 25 feet of a playground.

A Harvard School of Public Health report issued last year said secondhand smoke in cars can be up to 10 times more of a health risk than secondhand smoke in a home.

"Protecting the health of our children is among government's highest responsibilities," said the bill's author, state Sen. Jenny Oropeza, a Democrat. "It is clear that increasing public awareness about the dangers of secondhand smoke is the right thing to do."

At least 20 states and a number of municipalities have considered limiting smoking in cars where minors are present. Arkansas now bans smoking in cars with children age 6 and younger, while Louisiana has limited it when children 13 and younger are in the vehicle. Maine lawmakers will take up the issue in January.

jessa · 10-16-2007, 11:15 AM

At least our government is trying to intervene in the children's lives whose parents could care less.

PITBOSS · 10-16-2007, 01:02 PM

If the parents cared, this kind of law wouldn't be neccessary. What's with CA coming up with all these laws all of a sudden?

jessa · 10-16-2007, 01:24 PM

Arnold Schwarzenegger is taking matters into his own hands, I guess. You know they're always the most up-to-date state. They have to keep their Hollywood reputation up.

10-16-2007, 08:23 AM	#1 (permalink)
Marc Administrator GCB Senior Citizen Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The hearts of women everywhere. Age: 28 Posts: 3,273 Rep Power: 49	Calif. bans smoking in cars with kids Calif. bans smoking in cars with kids By STEVE LAWRENCE, Associated Press Writer Thu Oct 11, 6:04 AM ET California motorists will risk fines of up to $100 next year if they are caught smoking in cars with minors, making their state the third to protect children in vehicles from secondhand smoke. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday signed a bill that will make it an infraction to smoke in a vehicle if someone under age 18 is present. But the traffic stop would have to be made for another offense, such as speeding or an illegal turn, before the driver could be cited for smoking. The ban, which takes effect Jan. 1, joins a string of smoking prohibitions adopted in California, including a ban on smoking in enclosed workplaces and within 25 feet of a playground. A Harvard School of Public Health report issued last year said secondhand smoke in cars can be up to 10 times more of a health risk than secondhand smoke in a home. "Protecting the health of our children is among government's highest responsibilities," said the bill's author, state Sen. Jenny Oropeza, a Democrat. "It is clear that increasing public awareness about the dangers of secondhand smoke is the right thing to do." At least 20 states and a number of municipalities have considered limiting smoking in cars where minors are present. Arkansas now bans smoking in cars with children age 6 and younger, while Louisiana has limited it when children 13 and younger are in the vehicle. Maine lawmakers will take up the issue in January. __________________ GCB Myspace Need Guitar Tabs? Need Song Lyrics?

10-16-2007, 11:15 AM	#2 (permalink)
jessa The Beast Band Whore Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ocean Springs, you know, next to Biloxi Age: 21 Posts: 649 Rep Power: 12	At least our government is trying to intervene in the children's lives whose parents could care less.

10-16-2007, 01:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
PITBOSS Band Whore Join Date: May 2005 Location: Grand Bay Age: 33 Posts: 284 Rep Power: 39	If the parents cared, this kind of law wouldn't be neccessary. What's with CA coming up with all these laws all of a sudden?

10-16-2007, 01:24 PM	#4 (permalink)
jessa The Beast Band Whore Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ocean Springs, you know, next to Biloxi Age: 21 Posts: 649 Rep Power: 12	Arnold Schwarzenegger is taking matters into his own hands, I guess. You know they're always the most up-to-date state. They have to keep their Hollywood reputation up.