KINGMAN, Ariz. (AP) - Kingman drivers will have to put out their cigarettes if they have kids in the car under a new smoking ban that takes effect this summer.
Councilmembers in the northwestern Arizona city narrowly approved the ban with a 4-3 vote Tuesday, making it a secondary offense to smoke in a car with people under the age of 18 present, Kingman Daily Miner reports (https://goo.gl/8lqFfv).
However, Kingman Police can’t pull over a suspected smoker unless that person commits a traffic offense that warrants a stop.
E-cigarettes also are covered under the ban.
Councilwoman Jen Miles said passage of the ordinance would serve to “raise consciousness” regarding the dangers of smoking and secondhand smoke.
She said passage of the seatbelt law, while also a secondary offense, led to more people wearing seatbelts.
A $50 fine will be levied for first-time offenders and $100 fine for any subsequent offenses.
This is the first such legislation in the state to take up the issue, according to Police Chief Bob DeVries.
The Kingman Youth Coalition-Beating Up Teen Tobacco lobbied for the ordinance, saying they did so to “protect those who cannot protect themselves” from the dangers of secondhand smoke.
The prohibition takes effect June 18.
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Information from: Kingman Daily Miner, https://www.kingmandailyminer.com
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