The ban protects children’s health, as research findings show that exposure to tobacco smoke, especially in small enclosed spaces, damages a child’s arteries and makes the child susceptible to heart and vascular diseases, asthma, allergic colds and bronchitis. The smoking ban in cars reduces children’s exposure to tobacco smoke and the health damage that this causes.
The smoking ban is monitored by the municipality. There is no punishment imposed, however, for smoking in one’s own car with children present. The police do not monitor smoking in cars.
It was desired that the ban on smoking in cars with under-15-year-olds present be written into the law even though there is no punishment imposed for contravening the ban. The law provides a clear indication that the act is not right and that smoking in cars results in suffering for the children exposed to it. The aim of the ban is also to strengthen social control in children’s close relationships. Conversation within the family about the matter is easier if smoke-free car journeys can be justified based on the law.