It’s the opinion of one of the ministers in Britain that the country should look at a nationwide ban of people smoking cigarettes in cars that also carry children. No legislation is currently being discussed, but the article sited other countries that already have such a ban in place, including Canada, South Africa and even several states here in the U.S.

This was news to me. Apparently, Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, and Puerto Rico as well as parts of New Jersey, Hawaii and New York all have bans prohibiting in private vehicles carrying children, though the ages vary. Connecticut is currently testing the waters with its own bill. (For the complete list, click here.)

Pennsylvania has no such law in place. Back in 2009, one was introduced that would ban smoking in cars carrying children 8 years old and younger, but it was referred to committee where it died.

It clearly makes sense to not smoke around children, given the preponderance of evidence about the harms of second-hand smoke. I would think that adults, especially parents, have enough presence of mind not to do it. But I’m actually surprised that the bans passed, since they do nudge up against, if not cross, the line of telling people what they can and can’t do in private.