Starting today, it will be a crime in Britain and Wales to smoke in a vehicle with anyone under 18 present, with fines starting at £50 for violators. The new law has a number of exemptions and loopholes; for instance, should the smoker in a vehicle not be the driver, both that person and the driver could be fined. Additionally, convertibles with the top down and stowed would be exempted, though hard top vehicles with a sunroof open would be considered enclosed vehicles. Opening the windows would not excuse a driver from lighting up either. Additionally, motorhomes and other recreational vehicles would be subject to the law while being used for transport, but not while stationary and being used for living quarters. Finally, One a 17-year-old driving alone would not be subject to a fine for smoking in a vehicle. Electronic cigarettes are not part of the new restrictions. While police will have the authority to issue on-the-spot fines, a report in the Daily Mail said that numerous police chiefs are instructing their officers not to enforce the ban, instead issuing warnings if need be.
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