France bans smoking in cars with young passengers

It is now illegal in France to smoke in a car when a person younger than 12 years of age is a passenger, according to a story in The Local France.

Those caught breaking the law will face a fine of €68.

But smokers needn’t think they are being singled out. The Local pointed out that, as always on July 1 in France, a raft of new laws has come into force this year.

For instance, drivers are at risk of being fined €135 if they’re caught using headphones and earpieces, and they can be fined €75 for eating sandwiches, putting on make-up or listening to loud music.

‘It’s all designed to allow drivers in France to improve their concentration levels, which can’t be a bad thing,’ said The Local.