It’s Wrong, But Is it Actually Against the Law in Texas to Smoke in Your Car With a Minor?

In homes and cars around Dallas, TX, and the rest of the country, the discussion of smoking can be a touchy subject for many. For those who smoke, they hate the restrictions put on them of where they can smoke. For non smokers, they wish the habit and the sell of tobacco would just go away.

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Despite the many health warnings involving the use of tobacco products, there are some who choose to ignore it and enjoy a smoke anyway. For some states, however, you could be ticketed for smoking around a minor in a certain situation. Is Texas one of those states?

There are nine states that took up that cause and passed legislation to make it a fineable offense if caught smoking with a minor in the vehicle with you.

• Arkansas
• California
• Louisiana
• Illinois
• Maine
• Oregon
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia

Wait. Texas isn't on the list? Nope.

That's not to say that the Texas Legislature hasn't tried. In 2015, HB 461 was presented but never passed. It would have called for a fine of up to $500 for anyone caught smoking in their vehicle with a child who needed to be in a child safety seat.

No matter if its a law in Texas or not, if you're a smoker and have kids, don't smoke in the car with them. You know how dangerous smoking is so don't pass that on to your little ones. Wait till you get home and can enjoy one on the back porch.