Lighting up in a car with an under 18 present is now illegal.
Smoking was banned indoors in NI in 2007.
Author: Sarah MckinleyPublished 31st Jan 2022 Last updated 1st Feb 2022
New rules to protect young people from the dangerous effects of second-hand smoke come into effect today, February 1.
It is now an offence to smoke in a private vehicle when there is someone under the age of 18 present, regardless of whether the windows and doors are open or not.
Convertible cars with the roof fully down are an exception to the rules, as are camper vans or mobile homes when they are stationary.
The law changes mean anyone caught in breach of the new rules will have to pay a fixed penalty notice of £50.
Where can you smoke in NI?
You can smoke in your car, if it is used mostly for private purposes and there is nobody u18 there.
Changes to NI smoking rules kick in
2 of 3
• You can smoke outdoors, but there are some exceptions. Smoking on train platforms. In some sports grounds, and on Health and Social Care Trust-owned grounds is not allowed.
You can smoke in your car, if it is used mostly for private purposes and there is nobody u18 there.
You can smoke at home, as long as your house is not used as a place of work by more than one person.
• You can smoke outdoors, but there are some exceptions. Smoking on train platforms. In some sports grounds, and on Health and Social Care Trust-owned grounds is not allowed.
You can smoke in your car, if it is used mostly for private purposes and there is nobody u18 there.
You can smoke at home, as long as your house is not used as a place of work by more than one person.
• You can smoke outdoors, but there are some exceptions. Smoking on train platforms. In some sports grounds, and on Health and Social Care Trust-owned grounds is not allowed.
