Skip to main content Skip to accessibility
This website is not compatible with your web browser. You should install a newer browser. If you live in Jersey and need help upgrading call the States of Jersey web team on 440099.
Government of Jerseygov.je

Information and public services for the Island of Jersey

L'înformâtion et les sèrvices publyis pouor I'Île dé Jèrri

Restriction on smoking in motor vehicles (Smokefree car Jersey)

​What the law means

It is illegal to smoke in a motor vehicle carrying young people under the age of 18. This includes all enclosed motor vehicles carrying one or more under 18s.

When the law comes into place

From 1 September 2015 it will be illegal to smoke and to allow smoking in a car carrying young people under the age of 18.

The driver is responsible for preventing smoking in a car carrying anyone under 18 years. A driver can face a fine of £500 for smoking themselves and £2000 for not preventing smoking.

Any other passenger smoking where an under 18 is present will also be liable for a fine of £500.

Why the law is in place

The need for a law to ban smoking in cars carrying young people is because:

  • second-hand smoke (also known as passive smoking) contains high levels of toxins and carcinogens
  • second-hand smoke is harmful to everyone, but children are particularly at risk as they breathe more rapidly, so breathe more in
  • 81% of people in Jersey support smokefree cars
  • children who breathe in second-hand smoke are more at risk of serious health problems, including asthma attacks, meningitis and bronchitis
  • there is no safe level of second-hand smoke in a motor vehicle, even with the windows rolled down
  • children have little control or choice over breathing in second-hand smoke
  • the pollution levels caused by smoking in a car can be 35 times greater than levels considered safe by the World Health Organisation
  • it's estimated that up to 1800 under 18s in Jersey may be exposed to second-hand smoke in cars on a weekly basis​

Exemptions to the law

There are few exemptions to the law. These include:

  • open-top or convertible-style cars (the evidence of harm from second-hand tobacco smoke is specifically from smoke in an enclosed vehicle whether or not windows are open)
  • any stationary vehicle that is permanently equipped to be a person’s primary residence

Penalties

Failure to comply with the law is a criminal offence.

If you are caught smoking in your motor vehicle, you could be fined between £500 and £2500.

Back to top
rating button