Guidance from the Government
The UK government has several regulations in place concerning smoking in vehicles, particularly when minors are present. It’s important for drivers to be aware of and comply with these regulations, as failure to do so can result in penalties.
As of October 2015, smoking in a vehicle with someone who is under 18 became illegal in the United Kingdom. This legislation aimed to protect children and young people from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. The law applies to any private vehicle enclosed wholly or partly by a roof and it extends to both drivers and passengers. The law encompasses various types of vehicles, including cars, vans, and other enclosed vehicles.
If you are looking for a van rental Bristol from a specialist provider such as https://www.autolynecarvanrental.co.uk/van-hire-bristol, it is best to check company policies as well as the government guidance regarding smoking or e-cigarettes in rented vehicles.
The penalty for smoking in a vehicle with someone under 18 is a fixed penalty notice of £50 but both the driver and the smoker can be fined if someone smokes in a vehicle with a person under 18 present. The ban on smoking in cars with minors is enforced to safeguard children from the health risks associated with exposure to second-hand smoke. The confined space of a vehicle can lead to higher concentrations of harmful substances, posing an increased threat to the health and well-being of the passengers.
E-Cigarettes
The regulations regarding the use of e-cigarettes (vaping) in vehicles with minors present in the UK are not covered by the specific legislation that prohibits smoking traditional cigarettes. The legislation focuses on the specific use of traditional tobacco products in enclosed vehicles with individuals under the age of 18.