Bill > S06743

This bill amends the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law to prohibit smoking tobacco in motor vehicles when a passenger under 18 years of age is present. Specifically, the bill defines smoking as the burning of a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe, or any other tobacco-containing substance, and makes it a traffic infraction for any operator or passenger 21 years of age or older to smoke under these circumstances. The bill introduces a rebuttable presumption that a person holding a lighted tobacco product near their mouth is smoking, which can be challenged with evidence showing the person was not actually smoking. The law would take effect 120 days after becoming law, giving time for public awareness and preparation. The intent of the bill appears to be protecting minors from the harmful effects of secondhand tobacco smoke in enclosed vehicle spaces, where they cannot easily remove themselves from the environment.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6743