Bill would limit smoking in motor vehicles

Publication Date: 2006-05-11

• Author:Associated Press
• Publication:Detroit Free Press

Smoking in a motor vehicle with a passenger under 4 years old would become illegal in Michigan under terms of legislation scheduled for a hearing next week in a state House committee.

The proposed penalty would be a civil infraction or a ticket. The cost of the fine would be determined by the state court administrator if the bill becomes law.

The bill's sponsor, Republican Rep. John Moolenaar of Midland, said the bill is aimed at protecting children from secondhand smoke that can increase the risk of developing asthma or other respiratory ailments.

"Children under the age of four are still developing quickly and are at a very vulnerable stage of development," Moolenaar said in a statement. "Adults must understand the consequences and effects of smoking around children."

Arkansas passed a similar measure earlier this year as part of a broad anti-smoking package.