Smoking and the law
There are a number of places where it is illegal to smoke.
Smoking in cars or other vehicles
It is illegal to smoke in a vehicle with anyone under the age of 18.
The law protects children and young people from the dangers of second-hand smoke.
Both the driver and the smoker could be fined £50. The law applies to every driver in England and Wales, including those aged 17 and those with a provisional driving licence. The law doesn't apply if the driver is 17 years-old and is on their own in the car.
Every time a child breathes in second-hand smoke, they breathe in thousands of chemicals. This puts them at risk of serious conditions including meningitis, cancer, bronchitis and pneumonia. It can also make asthma worse.
Smoking in work vehicles
Smoking isn't allowed in any work vehicle that more than one person uses – for example:
- taxis
- buses
- vans
- goods vehicles used by more than one driver
- company cars used by more than one employee
A worker can smoke in a company car that only they use, if their employer agrees.
Smoking and railways
Smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes is banned on all trains and railway property, including station platforms, whether enclosed or not.
Smoking in work places and enclosed public areas
It is illegal to smoke in any public enclosed, or substantially enclosed, area in England. This includes all pubs, restaurants and indoor shopping centres.
It is also illegal to smoke in enclosed work places. Go to GOV.UK: smoking at work – the law.
Exemptions include:
- designated rooms in hotels and guest houses
- designated rooms in nursing homes
- specialist tobacconists, in relation to sampling cigars or pipe tobacco
Find out where you can get help to stop smoking.