SmokingCanada
242. Smoking
Smoking while driving can distract the driver by occupying a hand, taking attention away from the road and creating smoke, ash or dropped objects inside the vehicle. Tobacco smoke can also reduce air quality and expose passengers to second-hand smoke. Some countries restrict or prohibit smoking in vehicles, particularly when children are present. Drivers should always remain in full control of the vehicle and avoid any activity that interferes with safe driving.
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Can smoking distract a driver?
Yes. Lighting, holding or extinguishing a cigarette can create manual and visual distraction, while smoke or dropped ash can also interfere with concentration.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 148, distractions; national guidance example
🔗 nhs.uk • NHS, passive smoking in the family car
🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, smoking-in-vehicles rules and e-cigarette exception; England/Wales example
Why is smoking in a car with children a problem?
Smoking in an enclosed vehicle exposes passengers to second-hand smoke, and children are particularly vulnerable to its harmful effects.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 148, distractions; national guidance example
🔗 nhs.uk • NHS, passive smoking in the family car
🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, smoking-in-vehicles rules and e-cigarette exception; England/Wales example
Do smoking bans in vehicles also apply to electronic cigarettes?
It depends on the jurisdiction. For example, Belgium’s vehicle-smoking restrictions with minors include electronic cigarettes, while the cited England and Wales rules distinguish vaping from tobacco smoking. Check the local rule rather than treating smoking and vaping as legally identical everywhere.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 148, distractions; national guidance example
🔗 nhs.uk • NHS, passive smoking in the family car
🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, smoking-in-vehicles rules and e-cigarette exception; England/Wales example

Traffic rules
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