HB46 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rolanda HollisRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Motor vehicles, smoking of tobacco products prohibited in vehicle with minor present

Summary

HB46 would ban smoking and vaping in cars when a child 14 or younger is in the vehicle, with fines for violators.

What This Bill Does

It makes it illegal to smoke tobacco or vape in a motor vehicle if a child 14 years old or younger is present. It defines smoking, tobacco products, and vaping for the law. It imposes a fine of up to $100 per violation and makes enforcement a secondary offense, meaning a stop for another reason is usually required. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it passes and is approved, and it is noted as exempt from certain local funding rules because it creates a new crime.

Who It Affects

• Children aged 14 or younger in vehicles, who would be protected from exposure to tobacco smoke and vaping while in a car.
• Adults who smoke or vape in vehicles with a child present, who would face fines (up to $100 per violation) and enforcement only if the vehicle is stopped for another lawful reason.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits smoking tobacco or vaping in a motor vehicle when a child 14 years old or younger is present.
• Defines smoking, tobacco product, and vaping for purposes of the law.
• Imposes a fine not exceeding $100 per violation.
• Establishes the violation as a secondary offense (requires a stop for another lawful reason for enforcement).
• Effective date: first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval.
• Exempts from Amendment 621 local-funding requirements because the bill creates a new crime.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Tobacco