New York Lawmakers Propose Car Smoking Ban

Proposal would make it illegal to smoke in a car if someone under the age of 18 is present, with violators subject to a $1,000 fine.

March 11, 2011

NEW YORK ?" Two New York legislators are proposing a bill that would ban smoking in a car when a minor is present, NBC New York reports.

Introduced in Nassau County, the ban would make it illegal to smoke in a car if someone under the age of 18 is present, with violators subject to a $1,000 fine.

Nassau County legislator Judi Bosworth, co-sponsor of the bill along with Judy Jacobs, said the bill is aimed at raising consciousness about the dangers of second-hand smoke on children.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, second-hand smoke is directly linked to provoking asthma attacks and respiratory tract infections in children.

Bosworth compared the rationale for the law to the reasons behind requiring car seats and seat belts to be used: keeping kids safe.

"You're not even allowed to take a newborn home from a hospital without a proper car seat. So strangely, the only dangerous element left [for kids] is smoking in a car," Bosworth said.

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