B.C. moves to ban smoking in cars with children

Someone caught smoking in a vehicle with children under 16 years old will soon face a fine and could even be refused a driver's or vehicle licence if they don't pay.

B.C. Solicitor General John van Dongen on Monday introduced changes to the Motor Vehicle Act aimed at preventing people from passing on second-hand smoke to children.

Provincial medical health officer Dr. Perry Kendall said the harmful effects of tobacco smoke are heightened in small spaces and can have long-lasting consequences.

The fine for breaking the law still hasn't been decided, but enforcement of it will be up to police.

The changes to the Motor Vehicle Act are part of the provincial government's long-term plan to cut smoking rates even further in B.C.

The province joins several other jurisdictions in bringing in such vehicle smoking bans when children are present. Others which have done so include Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and the Yukon.