Germany Proposes Ban on Smoking in Cars with Children or Pregnant Women

Germany considers a smoking ban in cars with children or pregnant women. The proposed law could save lives and align the country with stricter European rules.

, and Administrator

2025 October 28 . 5:03 PM

1 min read

In this image we can see a person holding a cigarette in his hand.

Germany Proposes Ban on Smoking in Cars with Children or Pregnant Women

The topic of a smoking ban in vehicles with children or pregnant women present has sparked political debate in Germany. The Bundesrat has proposed an amendment to the Federal Non-Smoking Protection Act, aiming to protect vulnerable groups from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke in cars. Currently, Germany lacks a nationwide smoking ban in cars, even when children or pregnant women are present. No federal state has implemented such a regulation yet. However, some European neighbours like Italy and France have stricter rules in place. The proposed bill seeks to change this, focusing on protecting minors and unborn children from passive smoking. The plans, advanced on September 26, 2025, suggest a ban on smoking in cars when these vulnerable groups are passengers. Violations could result in fines ranging from €500 to €3000. Negligent bodily harm could also be reported if an accident is caused by smoking behavior. The Bundestag is yet to decide on the proposed bill, with no fixed deadline for parliamentary processing. If passed, the smoking ban in cars with children or pregnant women present would significantly impact smoking habits in Germany. It would align the country with stricter European regulations and potentially save lives, as around one million children in Germany and 166,000 worldwide die annually from passive smoking in vehicles.