RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - People who smoke cigarettes in cars with children could be hit with a $100 fine if legislation proposed by a Virginia House Republican becomes law.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that the House has given preliminary approval to a bill that would make it illegal to smoke in a car with a child under the age of 8.
Del. Todd Pillion, a pediatric dentist, said the measure would help protect the developing lungs of children. Drivers could not be pulled over for smoking in cars with children, but could be assessed a $100 civil fine if they are pulled over for other reasons.
Opponents of the bill said it an overly intrusive measure by state government.