California Bans Smoking in Kid-Schleping Cars
Surprise! California has become the third U.S. state to ban smoking in cars with kids– in their own special way. Newsmax.com reports that Governator Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed an anti-motorized second hand smoking bill yesterday that doesn't allow officers to pull over kid-carrying cigarette-puffing motorists. Nope. "The traffic stop would have to be made for another offense, such as speeding or an illegal turn, before the driver could be cited for smoking." Oh, and did we mention that the ban applies to minors, as in any child under 16? That's 10 more years of clean lungs than Arkansas, which bans smoking in cars with children age 6 and younger, and three more years than Louisiana, which protects children 13 and under. Coinciding with New Year's resolutionists, Kali-fornia's new law takes effect on January first. Offenders face a $100 fine and, we reckon, a guilt trip courtesy of the protect and serve people.
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As a kid I hated it when my parents smoked in the family car and I am very pleased that this legislation was passed in California. Second hand smoke is dangerous and disgusting and children should not be subjected to it. The secondary enforcement is just the beginning. It used to be the same with seat belts, but over time CHP did start pulling people over just for not wearing one. As for cell phones, I doubt they will ever be banned in California cars. They have become part of our life style and we can drive very well with them.
I think they should increase fines/taxes for people on cell phones, eating junk food, masturbating, putting makeup on, shaving, singing, reading, watching a movie or and any other activity that would distract a driver or cause harm to others.
Remember , it's for the children. Another way to pay for massive socialism out there. So when the parents get home, and light up in the house, will they be able to fine them for that some day? I love how the same government which professes to care about children so much seems to have no problem killing them in the womb.