Smoking in your car could now get you points and fine!!!

Entai

Entai

Entai

Caporegime
Joined
28 Feb 2004
Posts
74,822
The new Highway Code is out today and one of the changes is that smoking whilst behind the wheel of your car is now classed as a distraction, just as eating and drinking already are, and we have seen prosecutions for those events already!!.

So possibly Police and Lawyers can cite the highway code and prosecute you for driving without due care and attention, which could possibly result in a £60 fine and/or possible points.

More details here. Some more here.
 
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So what about drinking a soft drink? will I get pulled if I get caught taking a quick sip of pop?

What will they think of next?
 
Sounds perfectly fair to me, given the other things that are on the list (such as eating and drinking).
 
It's about time. I never understood why eating a marsbar whilst driving was considered dangerous but holding a stick of fire wasn't.
 
Been illigal in Sweden in built up areas for years.

I think it is about time. Also as a cyclist, it might stop me get cig chucked out of the window at me!
 
Good, it's about time.

If I can't use my mobile then you also shouldn't be able to smoke which I consider to be just as bad.

No doubt there will be a 4 page argument by people who rely on cig's to get them through the day :p
 
Pyscho_Si said:
Been illigal in Sweden in built up areas for years.

I think it is about time. Also as a cyclist, it might stop me get cig chucked out of the window at me!
Click to expand...

Heh same here on the motorbike, not so bad with leathers on but wearing any textiles and i worry when i see one coming at me if it got lodged somewhere lol
 
Wang Computer said:
Which is more distracting: a cigarette or a ridiculously loud sound system?
Click to expand...


Actually that is also classed as a distraction now, so yes you might get done for blaring music as well now.

Here is the Highway Code online page that states it all, read down to part 148,

For the click lazy,

Quote:

Safe driving and riding needs concentration.
Avoid distractions when driving or riding such as
  • loud music (this may mask other sounds)
  • trying to read maps
  • inserting a cassette or CD or tuning a radio
  • arguing with your passengers or other road users
  • eating and drinking
  • smoking
End Quote
 
Surely smoking affects your mental state? It's liking taking drugs and driving?

A sip of a can of coke is no where near as dangerous.
 
tbh they probably won't start fining people left right and center, they will hopefully use it just to get the people who are being dangerous, I don't think eating a mars bar while waiting at lights is particularly dangerous but if you where all over the road because you where eating/drinking/smoking etc then they can fine you for it
 
LizardKing said:
When did the highway code become law, i thought it was guidelines?
Click to expand...

it's both,

If it says you MUST not - that's built into law.
If it says you should not - that's guidelines, not a specific offence and therefore is covered under such laws as driving without due care and attention.
The highway code is also used by insurance companies, it's much more than just a guideline.
 
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