Can I smoke in a car with a child?
No: smoking is banned in a vehicle carrying a child under 12. Under Law 3730/2008 (as amended by Law 4633/2019), smoking is banned in all vehicles (private and public) when a person under 12 is aboard. Liability falls on whoever smokes (driver or passenger), but the driver always gets a 1-month licence suspension per violation, even if a passenger was smoking. It's enforced by police and the penalties are administrative. Convertibles are not exempt. In short: no cigarette with a child under 12 in the car.
📋 The rules
- Smoking banned with a child under 12 in the vehicle
- Applies to all vehicles (private & public)
- Liability: whoever smokes (driver or passenger)
- The driver: always a 1-month licence suspension
- Convertibles are not exempt
🔓 Exceptions
- No child, or passengers 12+: this provision doesn't apply
- Public-use vehicle (taxi): a higher fine
- Concerns only a minor under 12
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Smoking in a vehicle with a child under 12 is fined €1,500 for the smoker, or €3,000 if the smoker drives a public-use vehicle (taxi), plus a 1-month licence suspension on the driver. Beware myths: pages cite "up to €5,000" or "any child under 18" — wrong; the threshold is 12 and the amounts are €1,500/€3,000. To stay compliant: don't smoke when a minor under 12 is in the vehicle — neither driver nor passenger. If you want to smoke, stop and step out. Remember that, as the driver, the licence suspension applies to you even if another passenger was smoking.
📎 Official sources
- Law 3730/2008 — protecting minors from smoking →
- Law 4633/2019 (Art. 17) →
- Ministry of Health — anti-smoking legislation →
❓ Frequently asked
Is it allowed to smoke in a car with a child?
No. Smoking is banned in any vehicle, private or public, when a person under 12 is aboard. The ban applies to both the driver and passengers. If you want to smoke, you must stop and step out of the vehicle.
What's the child's age threshold?
It's 12. The ban and fine apply when a child under 12 is in the vehicle. It's a myth that it covers any minor up to 18. For passengers aged 12 and over, this specific provision imposes no penalty.
How much is the fine?
The fine is €1,500 for the smoker. If the smoker drives a public-use vehicle, such as a taxi, the fine doubles to €3,000. In addition, the driver gets a 1-month licence suspension. The "up to €5,000" some pages cite is a myth.
Who's liable, the driver or the passenger?
Liability for the fine falls on whoever smokes, whether driver or passenger. But the driver always gets the 1-month licence suspension, even if a passenger lit the cigarette. So the driver has an incentive to prevent smoking in the vehicle.
Does it apply to open cars too?
Yes. Convertibles and open vehicles aren't exempt from the ban. When a child under 12 is aboard, smoking is banned regardless of whether the roof is open or closed. The aim is to protect children from passive smoking.
🔎 Common searches
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- “smoking car child fine”
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- “law 4633/2019 smoking car”
- “passive smoking children car”