German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has drafted a proposal to ban smoking—including the use of e-cigarettes and cannabis—in cars carrying minors and pregnant women. This initiative aims to expand the existing Non-Smokers Protection Act, addressing the severe health risks associated with secondhand smoke in confined spaces.
Currently, smoking inside private vehicles remains legal in Germany. However, Lauterbach’s new plan, which aligns with his broader cannabis legalization draft, seeks to close this loophole to ensure the safety of highly vulnerable passengers.
The draft emphasizes that secondhand smoke in small vehicle cabins poses significantly higher health risks. The German Cancer Research Centre previously noted that tobacco concentration in cars can be five times higher than in an average smoky pub.
According to the Health Ministry’s draft, secondhand exposure is linked to serious conditions, including coronary heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sudden infant death syndrome, and lung cancer.
To provide comprehensive protection, the proposed ban would cover a wide range of inhalable substances:
- Traditional tobacco cigarettes
- E-cigarettes (vapes)
- Heated tobacco products
- Cannabis
While the government universally welcomes the goal of protecting children, officials have warned of potential constitutional challenges, as personal vehicles are legally considered private spaces. These details will be coordinated with other ministries before the draft is presented to the Cabinet.
If passed, Germany will join a growing list of nations—including Australia, France, South Africa, and parts of the US—that have already implemented similar vehicle smoking bans. Since 2019, several German states have launched their own initiatives to ban smoking in cars with children, suggesting fines could reach up to €3,000 for violations.
- News reference： Germany: Minister plans ban on smoking in cars with children
