Last updated: March 2026
Smoking in Cars with Children: Fines, Laws & Health Risks
In many European countries, smoking in cars with children is already banned and punishable by significant fines. Germany lags behind — even though pollutant levels inside a vehicle can be up to 23 times higher than in a smoky bar. Here you’ll find everything about the current legal situation, international comparisons, and why experts are calling for a nationwide ban.
Smoking in Cars with Children: The Law in Germany
As of March 2026, Germany has no federal law banning smoking in cars in the presence of children. Despite years of discussion, previous legislative initiatives have failed to pass in the Bundestag.
- 1The Bundesrat introduced a bill in 2019 proposing a smoking ban in cars when minors or pregnant women are present.
- 2North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony were among the driving forces behind the initiative.
- 3The federal cabinet has yet to turn the proposal into binding law — despite broad cross-party support.
- 4Paediatricians, the DKFZ, and the German Child Protection League have been demanding a ban for years.
Important
Without a federal ban, protecting children from secondhand smoke in cars remains a matter of parental responsibility — with serious consequences for the youngest.
Fines in Other Countries
Numerous countries have recognised that voluntary appeals are not enough and have enacted legal bans on smoking in cars with children:
United Kingdom
Since 2015, smoking in cars with passengers under 18 has been banned in England and Wales. Penalty: ÂŁ50 fixed fine.
France
Since 2016, smoking in cars with minors has been prohibited. The fine is €68.
Italy
Ban since 2016 for trips with minors and pregnant women. Fines from €25 to €500.
Austria
Since 2019, smoking in cars with passengers under 18 has been banned. Fine: up to €100.
Greece
Ban since 2010 — one of the first in Europe. Fine: up to €1,500.
Australia
All states ban smoking in cars with children. Fines: AUD 250–AUD 10,000.
Secondhand Smoke in Cars: Health Risks for Children
The enclosed space of a car makes secondhand smoke particularly dangerous. Studies by the DKFZ and international research groups reveal alarming figures:
- ⚠Fine particulate concentration in a car is up to 23 times higher than in a smoky bar — even with a window open.
- âš Children inhale significantly more pollutants per kilogram of body weight than adults.
- ⚠Secondhand smoke increases children’s risk of asthma, bronchitis, middle ear infections, and SIDS.
- âš Even brief exposure to tobacco smoke in a car can trigger acute respiratory problems.
- ⚠According to the DKFZ, there is no safe threshold for secondhand smoke — any exposure is harmful.
“Tobacco smoke in cars reaches pollutant concentrations far exceeding indoor fine particulate limits.”
Why a Ban Is Long Overdue
The arguments for a legal ban on smoking in cars with children are overwhelming:
Concentrated Pollutant Exposure
The small air volume inside a vehicle leads to extreme concentrations of fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and carcinogens. Even ventilation is not enough.
Children Cannot Protect Themselves
Children are at their parents’ mercy — they cannot leave the car or control their exposure. Legal protection is a matter of child welfare.
International Precedents
Over 15 countries worldwide have already enacted such laws. Experience shows fines work — smoking rates in cars drop significantly after a ban.
Broad Public Support
Surveys show over 80% of Germans support such a ban — even among smokers, approval exceeds 60%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fine for smoking in a car with children in Germany?
No. As of March 2026 there is no fine in Germany. No federal ban exists, despite several bills. In many other EU countries, fines range from €50 to €1,500.
Which countries ban smoking in cars with children?
Among others: the UK, France, Italy, Austria, Greece, Ireland, Cyprus, South Africa, and all Australian states. Fines range from €50 to over €1,000.
How high is the pollutant exposure when smoking in a car?
According to the DKFZ, fine particulate concentration while smoking in a car is up to 23 times higher than in a smoky bar. Even with a window open, indoor limits are massively exceeded.
Protect Your Family — Go Smoke-Free
Calculate how much money you’ll save and how much healthier your environment will be once you quit smoking.
Sources: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ): “Secondhand Smoke — An Underestimated Health Risk,” 2018. Semple, S. et al. (2012): “Secondhand smoke in cars,” Tobacco Control. German Child Protection League: Position paper, 2021. WHO FCTC, Article 8.