Heavy-smoking West Virginia becomes the 12th state to ban lighting up in cars with kids present
West Virginia has become the 12th state to ban smoking in vehicles with children present
By JOHN RABY
Published - Mar 22, 2024, 03:36 PM ET
Last Updated - Mar 22, 2024, 03:36 PM EDT
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia, which has the highest rate of adult cigarette use in the nation, became the 12th state to ban smoking in vehicles with children present under a bill signed by Republican Gov. Jim Justice on Friday.
But violators can only be fined up to $25 if they’re pulled over for another offense. Smoking with children present cannot be the main reason a driver is stopped.
About 22% of West Virginia adults smoked in 2021, the latest year available, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC says there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
Justice didn't comment on the bill, which was among 15 he signed Friday. West Virginia's 60-day legislation session ended on March 9.
