Commissioners OK Car Smoking Ban
Drivers in parts of Monroe County will no longer be able to smoke in their vehicles if a child is present.
County commissioners on Friday approved a smoking ban by a 2-1 vote that prohibits smoking if a child age 13 or younger is also in the vehicle, 6News’ Ben Morriston reported. The ordinance affects only the unincorporated areas of Monroe County, so cities Bloomington, Ellettsville and Stinesville are exempt.
Commissioner Pat Stoffers called that absurd. “A 35-mile car trip can take you through six changes in the smoking law,” he said.
Enforcement will also be an issue because drivers cannot be pulled over for the offense, only ticketed after they have been pulled over for something else. Still, some said it’s a move in the right direction.
“This ordinance prohibits smoking in a car with a child. It doesn’t tell people they can’t smoke,” said Monroe County Health Board spokeswoman Carol Touloukian.
The ban will carry up to a $100 fine for people caught smoking in a vehicle that is carrying a child age 13 or younger.
It will take effect next month.
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