Smoking and E-Cigarettes While Driving: UK Regulations
Although smoking or vaping while driving is not illegal in the UK, it is prohibited for individuals under the age of 18 to smoke in a vehicle with a roof.
According to Arnold Clark, if the police determine that a driver failed to properly control their vehicle due to smoking, the driver could be fined £100 for careless driving. Section 148 of the Highway Code states that drivers should "avoid distractions" while driving, and smoking is one such example.
Although it is not illegal to use electronic cigarettes, drivers who are distracted by the vapor may be sued for failing to exercise due care and attention.
The vapor clouds from e-cigarettes can create a visual impairment similar to that of sunlight glare, which often leads to fatal accidents.
In more severe cases, this charge could result in a maximum fine of £5,000 and even a court-imposed driving ban.
Furthermore, if vision is impaired due to smoke, insurance companies are unlikely to cover any damage or injury caused in a car accident.
According to a public opinion survey conducted by IAM RoadSmart, the UK's largest independent road safety charity, 57% of smokers holding a full UK driver's license admitted to smoking cigarettes or using e-cigarettes while driving.
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