New Jersey Could Ban Smoking With Kids In Car

Smoking with children under 17 in a vehicle could be hazardous to your health - and, perhaps soon, your wallet.

State Sen. Joseph Vitale, the chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, has introduced a bill that, if passed, would impose a $100 fine on anybody caught smoking in a car with a child, according to the proposed legislation.

“Driving is privilege, it’s not a right,” the Middlesex County legislator said, as reported by nj.com. “Just like we have to obey the rules of the road in a manner that is safe, smoking in a car when a child is present is dangerous and should not be permitted.”

The bill, S2883, which is also sponsored by Assemblyman Charles Mainor D-Hudson, would apply only to drivers suspected of committing a moving violation, according to the legislation.

Vitale said he expects some smokers may get upset and call this a government intrusion, saying: “They will argue my car is no different than my home, but cars are different, I think,” according to nj.com.

State legislation to ban the practice in New Jersey was first proposed in 2007 and has resurfaced several times, but has failed to gain support, according to the report.