Enjoy a cigarette at the wheel while driving along a picturesque coastal road? This is forbidden for holidaymakers in many European countries when children are sitting in the vehicle. Smoking rules differ extensively across the continent and any traveler should be aware of them. Here is an overview of laws in popular travel destinations in Europe.
Austria: In the Alpine Republic, smoking while driving is prohibited if persons under 18 years of age are in the car while driving. In restaurants and nightclubs, it is only allowed in specially separated areas.
France: If there are children under 12 on board, it is forbidden to smoke in the car. Smoking is also prohibited in all public buildings, trains, restaurants, cafés and night clubs, as well as in roofed areas.
Greece: The smoking ban in cars applies here if children under 12 years of age are passengers. And in gastronomic establishments such as cafés and restaurants, smoking is generally prohibited.
Ireland: Smoking in the car is prohibited for persons under 18 years of age. In addition, up to 3000 euros fine is charged if vacationers smoke in restaurants and pubs, for example.
Italy: The smoking rules again ban smoking in cars if minors and pregnant women are present. A ban also applies in public buildings, public transport as well as in restaurants.
U.K.: In cars, the rule that no minors are allowed on board when smoking also applies here. Some restaurants have separate smoking areas.
Germany: Discussions are currently underway as to whether smoking in cars in the presence of minors and pregnant women should also be banned.