Does a person have to put out a cigarette?

Question

I recently ran into 2 officers on separate occasions that demanded I put out the cigarette NOW. I am about 99% sure it isn't a crime, I am wondering whether they were just using their power to get their jollies or if it is really against the law?

Answer 1

As always
abuse of power

they are like Nazi's sometimes
then they wonder why the public doesn't respect them

Answer 2

Depends on where you are. In WA state where I live you may not smoke indoors at all (unless it is a private residence) or within 25feet of a door. The only exception to this is specifically marked out door smoking areas near places where people tend to gather. Bus Station, Convention Center, Arena. So if you live in a place with strict smoking bans then yes they have the right, and if you don't they can give you a ticket. If you don't live in a place with tough smoking laws wait it is coming

Answer 3

No, smoking will never be illegal, ask China.
If you're smoking in your vehicle when pulled over or being questioned, probably a good idea. If you are in an establishment or county that prohibits smoking, yes. There are many other cases and places where you can be told to put out your cigarette, but most likely you were just being harassed.

Answer 4

It's not against the law to smoke a cigarette (in public for example). However, unless you are just plain one of those passive-aggressive kind of folks, you must follow the directions of a police officer-- even if you think the officer is wrong in telling you to do something.

Answer 5

Just depends on where you were and what state/city you are in. A lot of places are saying you can't smoke outside at certain places or certain distances from crowds of people. I know at my work you have to be 50 feet from an entrance or window to smoke. So I would check up on the smoking laws to where you are to make sure.

Answer 6

Gee, maybe it has to do with respecting the officers. Why not focus on what you were doing to piss them off in the first place, and then how to conduct yourself like an adult when around a law enforcement officer. More than likely they figured you could use the cigarette as a weapon to burn them or as a diversion in case you wanted to run.

Grow up and act like a respectable adult damnit!

Answer 7

It all depends on your age and where you were smoking. In our state you can't smoke within so many feet of a building entrance. If you go to a theme park there are areas that are specifically for smoking. If you are under the age of 18 you are not allowed to smoke.

You really didn't give enough details for us to tell you.

Answer 8

They ask you to put out the cigarette because it is a safety hazzard for them. If they want to arrest you, you can use your cigarette to burn them, its just a safety guideline some follow. Don't take it personally, plus who wants all that second hand smoke when you're just trying to do your job.

Answer 9

If you are smoking where it is not allowed of course they will demand you put it out now. I just wish I could do that with every smoker regardless of the place, I lived with chainsmoking parents for twenty years, my legacy as a passive smoker is allergies, asthma, coughs, constant colds, bronchitis. Needless to say, I do not smoke. Smokers usually had all the privileges, smoking wherever and whenever, that is changing and the rest of us who do not smoke have a right to a smoke free environment.

Answer 10

When you ran into them were they giving you a citation or talking to you? Then they can ask you to put out the smoke because either you can try to burn them.