Legislators are poised to attempt again to prohibit smoking in vehicles in the presence of minors or pregnant women. Following a previous legislative impasse, the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony have re-introduced a proposed amendment to the Federal Non-Smoking Protection Act.
The rationale behind the renewed effort centers on the heightened exposure of minors and unborn children to secondhand smoke within enclosed spaces, particularly within vehicle cabins. Authorities highlight that tobacco smoke levels in enclosed passenger compartments can reach levels far exceeding those found in heavily smoked restaurants with the smoking of a single cigarette.
The German Cancer Research Center estimates that approximately one million minors in Germany are exposed to vehicle smoke. The proposal aims to mitigate this exposure and protect vulnerable individuals.
The Federal Council is scheduled to vote on the measure during its meeting on September 26th. If approved, the proposal will then be referred to the Bundestag for further consideration.