Schenectady Bans Smoking In Cars When Kids Are Present

I am not one to judge smokers or limit their freedom to partake, but this law I completely agree with.

It is hard to believe, but you see it a lot: drivers smoking in their cars, with kids in the backseat. It is basically a smoke chamber where a child has no choice but to breathe in second-hand smoke. I am not for laws telling us what to do or how to live our lives, but this is one I think is necessary. Some kids cannot protect themselves when this happens, so hopefully this law will help.

The Schenectady City Council voted to enact a ban on smoking in a car when a passenger under 16 years old is a passenger, according to WRGB. There will be a 6 month grace period, then fines will start at $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second and $150 for a third for adults caught smoking in a vehicle where a child is present according to WRGB. The law covers any type of smoking and e-cigarettes.

Councilman John Polimeni told WRGB '...the point of the law is to try to change behavior, not to collect on fines.'

I am honestly surprised this is not a statewide law at this point, but hopefully this becomes more of a trend city to city.