Smoking and cell phone ban begins

Starting this month it is against the law to use a cell phone while driving, unless using an earpiece or speakerphone.

It is also against the law to smoke in a motor vehicle when children under 19 years of age are present.

“These laws were put in effect for public safety reasons,” says Corp. Wes Kendall with the Queens RCMP detachment. “The first one is safety for the motoring public and the second one is the safety of children.”

The Nova Scotia government made an amendment to the Smoke-free Places Act making it illegal to smoke in a motor vehicle while a child under 19 years of age is present.

“This legislation is another important step in protecting the health of all Nova Scotians,” declares Health Promotion and Protection Minister Barry Barnet. “Children and young people are susceptible to the effects of second-hand smoke, especially in an enclosed space such as a car.”

The fine for smoking in a car with children present is $394.50, says Corp. Kendall.

It will cost a driver talking on a cell phone $50 for a first time offense.

A second and third fine will cost $100 and $200 respectively.

Corp. Kendall said the laws would be enforced through traffic enforcement just like the seatbelt and motor vehicle inspection laws.

He mentioned they will enforce the new laws through checkpoints and observations during patrols.

“Like seatbelt safety it will be zero tolerance,” he stated.

A provincial government press release states more than 4,000 chemicals can be found in second-hand smoke, including carbon monoxide, nickel, formaldehyde and arsenic. These chemicals can contribute to many illnesses including asthma, heart disease and sudden infant-death syndrome.

Since the province's Tobacco Control Strategy began in 2001, overall smoking rates have decreased to 20 per cent of the population from 30 per cent.

Information on the Smoke-free Places Act can be found on Health Promotion and Protection's website at www.gov.ns.ca