Starting in 2025, Australia will start to add more restrictions to road laws that will include laws that cover smoking in cars to help protect children and other vulnerable passengers. While smoking in cars is still somewhat allowed for adults, there is still a lot of attention and restrictions put around smoking and driving. These restrictions cover smoking while driving and will now be considered a type of distracted driving. The new laws will result in high smoking fines while driving.
New Law Highlights on Smoking While Driving in 2025
Australia’s 2025 road rules have been expanded and provide more cover around smoking in cars. The new rules expand on the banned use of smoking in cars that is primary when children and minors are present. This is understood as those under 16, and fines have been set between 250 and 500 dollars. These laws protect children from the effects of secondhand smoke. An adult still smoking in a car will be seen as a distraction and is warned to not use mobile devices while driving.
Smoke Distraction While Driving
According to Australia’s 2025 laws, smoking is classified as a distracting risk for all drivers. The process of lighting a cigarette, smoking, and extinguishing it all require at least one hand to be taken off the wheel. Dividing attention can be detrimental to the situation, as it can slow down reaction time. Reports state that the level of distraction that a smoking driver imposes is at least as risky as an eating driver or a driver adjusting a in-car device. There is also the risk of caused panicked accidents, or sudden swerves, by an uncovered lit cigar. Most of the time the driver is a smoker which is why there have been campaigns to encourage no smoking in vehicles to promote accident free driving.
Smoke Distraction While Driving
According to Australia’s 2025 laws, smoking is classified as a distracting risk for all drivers. The process of lighting a cigarette, smoking, and extinguishing it all require at least one hand to be taken off the wheel. Dividing attention can be detrimental to the situation as it can slow down reaction time. Reports state that the level of distraction that a smoking driver imposes is at least as risky as an eating driver or a driver adjusting a in-car device. Most of the time the driver is a smoker which is why there have been campaigns to encourage no smoking in vehicles to promote accident free driving. The risk of missing an accident increases when the driver is preoccupied with a smoking cigar.
Smoke Distraction While Driving
According to Australia’s 2025 laws, smoking is classified as a distracting risk for all drivers. The process of lighting a cigarette, smoking, and extinguishing it all require at least one hand to be taken off the wheel. Dividing attention can be detrimental to the situation as it can slow down reaction time. Reports state that the level of distraction that a smoking driver imposes is at least as risky as an eating driver or a driver adjusting a in-car device. There is also the risk of caused panicked accidents, or sudden swerves by an uncovered lit cigar. Most of the time the driver is a smoker which is why there have been campaigns to encourage no smoking in vehicles to promote accident free driving. Missing an accident is possible when the driver is preoccupied with a smoking cigar and it increases the risk of an accident.
Responses from the Public and the Authorities
Responses from the public regarding the 2025 regulations are mixed. Some appreciate the government’s efforts to eliminate distractions and claims to be safeguarding the children. Some critics think the laws might affect those who, during long drives, take a break to have a smoke. However, those in favor of the laws counter the argument by stating that distracted driving results in avoidable crashes and fatalities. The government still emphasizes the need for people to follow the regulations in order to achieve better traffic safety.
Quick Table: Smoking While Driving Fines in Australia 2025
| Situation | Fine Range (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Smoking in car with minors | $250 – $500 | Varies by state (16 or 18 years limit) |
| General smoking while driving | Possible fines and demerit points | Considered distracted driving |
| Tossing lit cigars/cigarettes | Up to $11,000 (fire ban periods) | Fire risk increases penalties |
Frequently Asked Questions on Cigar Smoking While Driving in Australia
Q1. Will it be illegal to smoke cigars while driving in 2025?
No, but it is illegal in the presence of children and is highly discouraged due to safety concerns.
Q2. What are the fines for smoking in the presence of children?
The fines are between $250 and $500, depending on the State laws. There are additional penalties for repeat offenders.
Q3. Can the police stop drivers just for smoking while driving?
Yes, police have the right to give on the spot fines, especially if the smoking distracts the driver or if there are children in the car.
