DELAWARE - Governor Carney has signed a bill into law that bans smoking in vehicles while anyone under 18 is also occupying the vehicle.
The new law applies to motor vehicles, trailers, recreational vehicles, and recreational trailers that may be used on public highways.
Lawmakers cite the various health hazards secondhand smoke poses in their synopsis of the new legislation.
“The Center for Disease Control (CDC) asserts that there is ‘no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke’ and ‘even brief exposure can cause immediate harm,’” the legislation’s text reads.
The ban applies whether or not the vehicle’s windows are down, according to the Bill. It is not specified in the text if the ban applies to e-cigarettes and vapes as well.
Though the restriction is now in effect following the Governor’s signature, Bill 118 clarifies that police may not stop or inspect a vehicle or the occupants solely for a violation of the smoking law.
The House Bill passed the Delaware legislature at the end of June and was signed into law by the Governor Wednesday, September 20th.