There is more awareness of the dangers of the distractions associated with smoking while driving. The action of lighting a cigarette or even tapping the ash, for instance, takes a driver’s attention away from the road when it is most needed. Distractions, even for a couple of seconds, can result in crashes, which makes smoking while driving in Australia a very serious issue.
Fines for smoking while driving, especially with passengers under the age of 17, are in effect in most Australian states and territories. The most common fine of $429 serves as an illustration to the government’s attempts to reduce driving with distractions. The enforcement of the fine is, however, much lower which makes public safety the priority in that region.
These laws mainly aim to reduce the harmful effects of smoking to the passengers, especially the children. Concentration of smoke in a vehicle is much higher than most open spaces, which increases the chances of health risks. These laws emphasize the need for drivers to take responsibility for the safety and health of the people in the vehicle while driving.
| Jurisdiction | Fine Amount | Conditions / Notes | Additional Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | $429 | Smoking while driving with a minor present. | Possible demerit points |
| Victoria | Up to $584.10 | Smoking/vaping in car with passengers under 18 | Two penalty points on infringement |
| Queensland | $266.90 | Smoking/vaping in car with passengers under 16 | Additional court penalties possible |
| Western Australia | $200 (on-the-spot) | Smoking banned while driving; vaping penalties if under 17 passenger present | Up to $1000 court penalty |
| South Australia | Up to $750 | Smoking/vaping in car with children under 16 | No demerit points |
| Tasmania | $120 (on-the-spot) | Ban on smoking/vaping with passengers under 18 | Up to $3900 court fines |
| Northern Territory | $300 | Smoking/vaping banned with children under 16 | Court penalties up to $3,000 |
| Australian Capital Territory | $150 | Smoking/vaping banned with children under 16 | Up to $750 for commercial vehicles |
Public Sentiment
Fines have now been introduced and their reception has been quite mixed. Advocates of road safety have welcomed the decision as a vital risk-mitigation measure aimed at protecting the younger travelers. On the other hand, some motorists see the $429 charge as disproportionate and a case of misplaced paternalism. As divergent as these opinions are, compliance rates have improved since the introduction of the fines.
Digital Monitoring and Road Safety
Police have intensified compliance checks at the roadside to enforce the no smoking rule while driving. Because smoking is an offense which is more visible than other types of distractions such as the use of a mobile phone, it is easier to detect. This visibility has been instrumental in enforcement which is aimed at the general reduction of driving distractions in Australia.
To Drivers
In the end, the message from the Government is unequivocal. There is no juggling of the fact that driving is a complex activity that should command full attention, and the ease of deviation in focus is a danger to all. The fine of $429 is both a notice and a fine, serving as a reminder that reckless driving endangers others.
More than fines, the emphasis is placed on improved driving standards that, protects him, and other road and pavement users.