If you’re driving in Virginia Beach and you enjoy a smoke while your child is in the vehicle, you may want to reconsider. Local law enforcement is intensifying efforts to penalize adults who smoke in cars with minor passengers, and the fines can be steep.
Recently, the Virginia Beach Police Department shared a picture of a ticket issued for this violation on their Twitter account, urging residents to “Protect your children and keep $100 in your pocket! #NoSmoking #WeAreWatching.” Since the law was enacted in July 2016, police have issued over 20 tickets for this infraction, as reported by WAVY-TV. The legislation prohibits smoking in any motor vehicle while a child under eight years old is present, and violators face a civil penalty of $100, which is directed to the state treasury and credited to the Literary Fund.
While there is no overarching federal law against smoking in cars with children, various states have begun taking measures to combat the dangers of secondhand smoke. For instance, in Arkansas, the law restricts smoking in vehicles with anyone under 14, while California’s limit is 18 and Louisiana’s is set at 13. Other states like Maine and Vermont have similar regulations, varying by age.
Some individuals argue that such laws infringe on parental rights, yet the health risks of secondhand smoke are well-documented. The CDC reports that since 1964, around 2.5 million non-smokers have died from health issues linked to secondhand smoke exposure. Children are particularly vulnerable, facing increased risks for ear infections, severe asthma attacks, and respiratory infections, not to mention a higher likelihood of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Moreover, smoking in a confined area like a car can expose passengers to toxic air levels far exceeding those deemed hazardous by the EPA, even with a window open.
Ultimately, the decision to smoke in an enclosed space affects not only the smoker but also the children trapped within. It may not lead to immediate health problems, but is the risk truly worth it?
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Summary
Virginia Beach is enforcing a $100 fine for individuals smoking in cars with minors present, reflecting a growing trend in various states to limit exposure to secondhand smoke. The law aims to protect children from health risks associated with tobacco smoke in confined spaces.