Ukraine may introduce fines of up to 140,000 hryvnias for smoking in cars with children.

According to inkorr.com: In a number of European countries, smoking in cars where children or pregnant women are present is prohibited, and violators face significant fines. The fines range from several dozen to a thousand euros, and in some cases can reach 3,000 euros, which is approximately equivalent to 140,000 hryvnias, reports Interia.

In France, a fine of 135 euros is imposed for such a violation. In Italy, the fines range from 50 to 500 euros if a pregnant woman or a child under 12 is present in the vehicle, and from 25 to 250 euros if there are teenagers up to 17 years old nearby. In Greece, the maximum fine is 1,500 euros, and the ban applies not only to private cars but also to taxis or buses.

The United Kingdom also has corresponding penalties: in England and Wales, the fine for smoking in a car with a person under 18 is about 60 euros (50 pounds), while in Scotland it can be up to 100 pounds. However, if the car roof is fully open, this is not considered a violation.

Discussion in Germany

Currently, there is no ban on smoking in cars with children in Germany, but the issue is already being discussed. Experts believe that fines of up to 3,000 euros for such violations could be an important step in improving road safety, as smoking reduces the driver's concentration and increases the risk of accidents. Human rights activists point out that more than a million children are exposed to the dangers of passive smoking in cars every day.

Experts emphasize that even with a window open, the health threat remains: the concentration of tobacco smoke in a car can be five times higher than in an enclosed space. Moreover, the presence of cigarettes in the cabin can decrease the driver's attention and create a real risk of accidents.

The prohibition of smoking in cars with children is of immense importance for improving road safety. European countries have already implemented strict fines for this violation, and Ukraine should consider the possibility of introducing similar measures to improve the situation on the road and protect the youngest participants in road traffic.