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Smoking in Vehicles

The 2006 Smoke-Free Ontario Act protects workers, patrons and the general public from secondhand smoke in workplaces and public places in Ontario. In January 2009 it was expanded to ban smoking or holding lit tobacco in motor vehicles carrying passengers under the age of 16.

Fewer Ontario children are being exposed to secondhand smoke while riding in private vehicles. According to the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), the number of children regularly exposed to secondhand smoke in vehicles has been significantly declining since 2003. In 2009/10, 9% (7.5%, 10.8%) of Ontario children (12-15 years) reported being exposed to secondhand smoke either daily or almost everyday in a car or other private vehicle. This was significantly lower than any of the previous survey years and was half of what was reported in the 2003 survey.

According to the 2011 Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System (RRFSS) survey in Simcoe Muskoka, 84% (81.2%, 86.4%) of adult (18+ years) drivers reported that smoking is never allowed in the vehicle they drive the most. Having a smoke-free vehicle is more likely with higher levels of education.