Drivers warned vaping in their cars can land them with £2,000 fine
DRIVERS are being warned that vaping in their cars could land them with a huge fine.
Motorists who puff away while driving could have to fork up £2,000 for breaking road traffic rules.
Although smoking or vaping while driving is not illegal, the law was changed back in 2015 so that smoking in a car with anyone under the age of 18 is now prohibited – with the driver and the smoker each facing a fine of £50.
But the punishment can be much more severe.
International Drivers Association is warning motorist when it comes to driving, visibility is everything.
A clear, unobstructed view of the road is a fundamental requirement for safe driving.
However, many drivers may not realise that their vaping habits could be impairing their visibility and inadvertently breaking the law, potentially leading to a hefty fine.
When you exhale the vapor from e-cigarettes inside your car, it can create a dense, cloudy atmosphere, significantly reducing visibility.
This temporary visual impairment can be enough to obscure crucial details on the road and can lead to dangerous situations, accidents, or even fatalities.
In many jurisdictions around the world, anything that significantly reduces a driver’s visibility can be considered a driving offense.
The same laws that penalise drivers for having a windscreen or windows obscured by dirt or snow, for instance, can be applied to those whose view is obstructed by vape smoke.
In the UK, this law falls under Section 41D of the Road Traffic Act 1988, and it carries a fine that can range up to £1,000.
Moreover, should an accident occur as a result of this impaired visibility, it can be considered as ‘careless driving,’ which carries even more serious consequences, including larger fines, higher insurance premiums, or even a driving ban.
Julie Daniels from the car insurance team at Compare The Market told the ECHO: “It’s crucial for drivers to understand the risks involved with this.
“Smoking and vaping while driving can distract you and make you drive carelessly, which could lead to accidents.
“You’re not just putting yourself in danger, but also the other people on the road.
“There are ways for drivers who smoke or vape to stay safe, such as pulling over to the side of the road where possible if they need to smoke, or scheduling stops during long journeys.”