Last updated: March 2026
No Smoking Signs: PDF Templates, Rules & Legal Requirements
Whether in the workplace, stairwell, or on company grounds – a “no smoking” sign is legally required in many areas. But which sign is the right one, where does it need to be displayed, and are there free printable templates? This article covers everything you need to know about no-smoking signs – and why the sign alone may not be enough to actually quit.
Download No Smoking Signs as PDF
Many employers and landlords are looking for a no-smoking sign as a print-ready PDF. The good news: there are numerous reputable sources offering free templates.
- ✓Occupational safety organizations publish standardized safety signs for download – including the no-smoking symbol compliant with ISO 7010.
- âś“Websites specializing in safety signage offer print-ready PDFs in various sizes.
- âś“Government health and safety agencies provide templates that meet current ISO and national standards.
- âś“When downloading, ensure the template uses the prohibition sign P002 per ISO 7010: a red circular sign with a white background, black cigarette icon, and red diagonal bar.
Printable No Smoking Signs
A self-printed sign is the quickest solution. To ensure it works and meets regulations, keep these points in mind:
- 1The internationally recognized ISO 7010 symbol P002 shows a crossed-out cigarette in a red prohibition circle. It is language-independent and universally understood.
- 2Print the sign in color and at least in A4 size. For larger rooms, A3 or bigger is recommended.
- 3Laminate the sign or use weatherproof film if it will be displayed outdoors.
- 4Add supplementary text if needed, such as “Including e-cigarettes” or “Entire premises.”
No Fire, Open Flames, or Smoking
In industrial environments, gas stations, laboratories, and warehouses, a simple no-smoking sign often isn’t enough. This is where the extended prohibition sign comes in:
Important
The “No fire, open flames, or smoking” sign (P003 per ISO 7010) depicts a burning match inside the red prohibition circle. It is used wherever open flames of any kind are prohibited alongside smoking – near flammable materials, gas installations, or explosive atmospheres. Workplace safety regulations clearly mandate this signage wherever fire or explosion hazards exist.
Funny No Smoking Signs
Not every location needs a strictly standardized sign. In shared flats, club houses, or on private property, many people opt for humorous alternatives – and this can actually be motivating:
- ✓“Only the barbecue smokes here” – popular for patios and garden areas.
- ✓“No smoking – breathing permitted” – a playful reminder that makes you think.
- ✓“This area is smoke-free. Your lungs will thank you.” – motivating rather than prohibiting.
- âś“Humorous signs can break the taboo around quitting and spark conversations. Humor lowers the barrier to confronting your own smoking habits.
Legal Requirements for No Smoking Signs
Regulations around no-smoking signage vary by country, but common principles apply. Here is what you need to know:
- 1Workplace safety laws in most countries require employers to protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke. No-smoking signs are a key part of this duty.
- 2Safety signage standards (such as ISO 7010 internationally, or OSHA in the US) specify which prohibition signs to use – including P002 and P003.
- 3Public health laws mandate no-smoking zones in public buildings, restaurants, schools, and hospitals. Signage is compulsory.
- 4Landlords may establish no-smoking rules in shared areas (stairwells, basements, laundry rooms) via house rules – and must display them visibly.
- 5Failure to comply with signage requirements can result in fines for businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where must a no smoking sign be displayed?
Anywhere a smoking ban is legally mandated or established by the employer or landlord: at entrances, in stairwells, at workplaces, in common areas, and in zones with fire or explosion hazards. The sign must be clearly visible and placed at eye level.
What are the legal requirements for no smoking signs?
Workplace safety regulations and signage standards define the obligation and appearance of signs in commercial settings. Standardized prohibition signs P002 or P003 per ISO 7010 must be used. Public health laws specify which public areas require no-smoking zones.
Can I get a no smoking sign for free?
Yes. Occupational safety organizations and various safety signage providers offer print-ready PDF templates for free download. Make sure the template complies with the current ISO 7010 standard.
“The best protection against tobacco smoke isn’t the sign on the wall – it’s the decision never to reach for a cigarette in the first place.”
The sign is up – and you’re ready to quit?
A no-smoking sign reminds you every day of what you already know: smoking is harmful. QuitBeaver helps you take the next step – with a structured quit plan, craving distractions, and a calculator that shows how much you’ll save.
Sources: ISO 7010:2019 – Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs. OSHA Workplace Safety Standards. WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). National and regional non-smoker protection laws.