Due to the small interior space of a car, an increased concentration of smoke can be produced relatively quickly. A car in which someone is smoking with the window down and the cigarette hanging out the window between puffs can be as toxic as a very smoky bar.

Opening a window or aiming your tobacco smoke out of a window isn't enough as the smoke often blows back into the car. If the windows are closed, then it will be twice as toxic as a very smoky bar. The deadly gases in secondhand smoke can linger for hours, even when the windows are open.



The easiest step you can take towards addressing these problems is to make your car smokefree.

Here are some simple steps

• Do not smoke in the car and do not allow others to smoke in your car
• Take smoking breaks when travelling to protect children and give everyone a break
• Hang a sign from the dashboard or on a window, reminding your passengers not to smoke
• Empty the ashtray and fill it with sweets or loose change
• Wash your car and vacuum all floors and upholstery

A recent study conducted by the Wellington School of Medicine in New Zealand found that being in a car with a smoker was equivalent to sitting in a smoky bar, even with the smoker's car window fully wound down.  With all the car windows closed, smoke pollution was at least twice as bad as sitting in the smokiest bar, the researchers said.

What will a smokefree car mean?

• A smokefree car will be cleaner, fresher and more comfortable
• A smokefree car can be easier to sell, with a higher resale value.
• Fewer distractions. The Highway Code lists smoking while driving a distraction.
• You must not smoke in public transport vehicles or in vehicles used for work purposes in certain prescribed circumstances, see downloadable vehicle leaflet under Business heading.