It is now illegal to smoke in a vehicle carrying children.
The new law came into force today and is designed to help protect anyone under 16 from the dangers of secondhand smoke.
Both the driver and the smoker can be fined £50 if anyone smokes in the vehicle, up to a maximum fine of £5,000 upon conviction.
A government press release issued to remind residents of the legislation coming into force said: ‘Although the new law applies to smoking in private vehicles, it is a timely reminder to the public that legislation already exists which bans smoking in all work vehicles and on public transport.
‘Under the No-Smoking Premises Regulations 2007, buses, taxis, and vehicles which are used for work by one or more persons are required to be fully smokefree at all times. They must be “no smoking vehicles” even if the persons who use the vehicles for work do so at different times or only intermittently.’
For free car stickers, leaflets and posters about the new legislation, or information about help to quit smoking, visit www.Quit4You.gov.im, email tobacco@gov.im or phone Quit4You on 642404.
For more information about the new regulations, visit www.gov.im/smokinglegislation or call 685894.