HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia, enacts as follows:

1 The Tobacco Control Act, R.S.B.C. 1997, c. 451, is amended by adding the following section:

No smoking or other tobacco use in cars with children

2.5  (1) In this section

"child" means a person under 16 years of age;

"motor vehicle" has the same meaning as in the Motor Vehicle Act; and

"smoke" means to have in one's immediate possession a lighted pipe, cigar or cigarette containing tobacco or any other plant.

(2) A person must not smoke in a motor vehicle if a child is also present in the motor vehicle.

2 Section 12 of the Tobacco Control Act, R.S.B.C. 1997, c. 451, is amended in subsection (1) by striking out "sections 2 to 2.4" and substituting "sections 2 to 2.5".

 
Explanatory Note

This Bill will protect the health and safety of children by prohibiting smoking in a motor vehicle when persons under the age of 16 are present.