Illegal To Smoke In Car With Children
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A new statewide law made it illegal to smoke in a vehicle with children.
Beginning September 1, 2008, it is now illegal to smoke in a vehicle in the State of Maine when children under the age of 16 are present. The law was passed in an attempt to cut down on the amount of secondhand smoke youths are exposed to, as Governor John Baldacci declared that it costs too many lives and too much money.
Violators will be warned during the first year and will then be subject to a $50 fine thereafter.
According to the federal Environmental Protection Agency, children are most likely to be affected by secondhand smoke, as their developing lungs are susceptible to asthma attacks, respiratory tract infections, and other damaging health effects. The U.S. Surgeon General also warns of links between secondhand smoke exposure and cancer and heart disease.
The new law follows a city ordinance passed in Bangor in 2007 when they became one of the first cities in the U.S. to ban smoking in cars with children present, and follows the lead of California, Arkansas, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, and some Canadian provinces, who have passed similar laws.
For more information on the new statewide smoking law please visit: http://www.maine.gov/portal/government/law.html.
