is it now against the law to smoke whilst driving a private car?

Answer 1

You shouldn't smoke in a car anyway - you need both hands on the wheel and it makes your car stink. I would also say that if there are ever any kids going to be in your car it's not good for them.

At the moment it's not illegal UNLESS you ever use your car for work and have any colleagues in your car. Then it is classed as a work vehicle (even if you own it) and it would be illegal.

This applies to UK only.

Answer 2

I don't know where you are from, but I am from New York. As far as I know it is not against the law to smoke in a private vehicle while driving. I do know that there are some states that have already passed a law that you can not smoke while driving when there are children in the car and there are some states that are trying to get that law passed. I am a smoker and I kind of agree with the no smoking with children in the car, but the next thing you know they are going to tell you that you can not smoke in your home if you have children. BIG BROTHER is always watching.

Answer 3

It's not against the law, no - however, if you have an accident, they will take into account what you were doing when you had that accident and smoking could be considered as not being in control of the car. That would therefore lead to a fine.

Answer 4

the highway code is not law, it is a set of guidelines for safe driving. there are hundreds of pieces of advice in the code which no driver adheres to, yet they are trying to tell me that if i have an accident the police will charge me for reckless driving if they 'prove'??? i was smoking. if i am a smoker and i stop my car in a car park to have a smoke, then get back in and have an accident will the fact that i smell og smoke be enough for the courst to accept that i was smoking>? and why do the police not threaten to charge people if they can prove they did not have both hands on the steering wheel at the recommended 10:10 position??

Answer 5

You don't say the country nor state so I can't say yes or no, however I do believe that smoking is as much of a distraction to careful driving as is talking on a mobile (unless on hands-free) which I know is illegal in Australia. I've been waiting for this law to be introduced into Australia and can't believe it's taken this long.
By the way, I'm a smoker.

Answer 6

No it's not against the law but should be ,here in the UK we have managed to get smoking banned in all public places ,next will be cars and homes,the only place you may smoke will be the crematorium

Answer 7

No - it is advisory - However, if you have an accident and were seen to be lighting a ciggie - you would be deemed to be, not in control of the vehicle and could get done for it - if they were so petty minded you could get done for most hings you do behind the wheel - change radio, Cd, pick your nose, clean your ear, anything where you are not in control of the vehicle.

Theoretically, you should have both hands on the wheel at all times - BUT, that would make it somewhat difficult to change gear and the like.

Answer 8

I don't think so yet but some states are considering, if they have not already passed, legislation to prohibit smoking in a car with children in it because of the affect of smoke on the children.

Answer 9

it's in the latest Highway Code. I was told when i took a driving test that the Code is not law.

Answer 10

No but it is not advised. If you were to have an accident whilst driving and smoking, it is possible you could be charged with driving without due care and attention.....