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Child + Cigarette + Car = Crime

By Steven Rodriguez

California is the third state to make it a crime to smoke in your car when a minor is a passenger. Championed by Senator Jenny Oropeza, a cancer survivor, the law was passed as a cancer-prevention measure to protect children from second-hand smoke. It went into effect on January 1, 2008. “The long-term health benefits from this new law can only be positive for the well-being of our children,” Oropeza said. “Reducing disease, from asthma to lung cancer, simply is the right thing to do.” Oropeza was also the driving force behind the 2007 California law banning smoking in common areas such as lounges, lobbies, elevators and restrooms. The relatively new infraction fines drivers and passengers up to $100 if cited for smoking in a car with a person aged 17 or younger...continue to full post

Full post as published by LA Criminal Defense Blog on April 24, 2008 (boomark / email).