The Australian government is addressing factors associated with road incidents emphasizing distraction behind wheel, with smoking while driving attracting a fine of $448 in several jurisdictions, with the aims of improving road safety and for the protection of passengers, especially children.
Smoking and Driving is Dangerous
It has also been legalized that smoking while driving is a serious threat to road safety. The act of igniting a cigarette, and discarding of ashes alone takes a significant amount of time and attention which a driver is expected to concentrate fully on the road. Just a few seconds of distraction while on the road has been scientifically proven to be one of the most common causes of accidents, making smoking while driving one of the many underestimated causes behind road incidents.
The Amount of Fines is also Different Between Jurisdictions
| Jurisdiction | Fine Amount | Conditions / Notes | Additional Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | $448 | Smoking while driving with a minor present. | Possible demerit points |
| Victoria | Up to $584.10 | Smoking/vaping in car with under 18 years old present. | Two penalty points on infringement ($233.64) |
| Queensland | $266.90 (penalty units) | Smoking/vaping in car with under 16 years old. | 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 (penalty units) |
| 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 |
Safeguarding the Passengers and Minors
This approach has also been proven important for the safety of minors and people inside the vehicle. Research indicates that the concentration of secondhand smoke is far more dense in enclosed locations such as automobiles. The police state that the rule is to protect young passengers from both health and safety issues and aims to reinforce the message to the drivers about the necessity to act responsibly.
Public Response to the Fine
Public responses to the ban on smoking in vehicles in which people are passengers have been divided. Advocates for safety on the roads are in support of the measure, stressing that it will minimize the chances of accidents and protect children. On the other hand, some drivers feel that the fines are disproportionate and are a form of government interference. Regardless of the arguments, it is a fact that compliance rates have increased since the fines were implemented.
Enforcement on the Roads
Police have increased the checking of the vehicles on the road to ensure compliance with these rules expected from the drivers. In as much as the random checks are limited, officers state that smoking and driving is one of the more visible offences which is easier to regulate than other types of distracted driving such as the use of mobile phones.
A Reminder for All Drivers
Police want to remind the public that the fine, along with other recorded offences committed while driving, is part of an overarching aim to minimize distractions for drivers and enhance focus on the road. In regard to smoking, it is the suggestion that apart from being fined, drivers should consider other risks that smoking during driving poses to the driver, passengers, and other road users. The essence of the new message conveys that looking ahead and keeping the hands firmly on the steering wheel can help preserve both lives and the vehicle.
