Q681: Is it illegal to smoke whilst driving?
Providing there are no children in the car (see Q921), it is not an offence in itself to smoke, eat or change the CD or radio whilst driving but you could commit the offence of driving without due care and attention or not being in proper control of the vehicle. These are some activities that distract driver's attention from the road. Others include reading maps, talking on a hands-free mobile phone and having very loud music in the car.
Distracted drivers are more likely to have/cause accidents.
Please see 'Related Information' for further information on smoking in cars if children are present.
Current answer rating





If you can't find the answer? Ask a question
RELATED INFORMATION
Web Sites
Questions
- Can I smoke in a car if there are children in it?
- Do I have to report an accident to my insurance company?
- Do I have to report an accident/collision that happened in a car park to the police?
- Do the police prosecute failing to stop and report an accident in every case?
Categories
Questions
- Can I smoke in a car if there are children in it?
- Do I have to report an accident to my insurance company?
- Do I have to report an accident/collision that happened in a car park to the police?
- Do the police prosecute failing to stop and report an accident in every case?
- How long do I have to report an incident to the police?
- How long will it be before I hear from the police after I have reported an accident?
- How will accruing penalty points affect a provisional or newly qualified driver?
- I have been in a road traffic accident, nobody was injured and we both stopped, do I need to report it to the police?
- I have been in a road traffic accident, nobody was injured but the other party did not stop, do I need to report it to the police?
- I have been injured by a cyclist who was riding dangerously and/or carelessly. Can I report this to the Police?
- I have been involved in a road traffic accident and my insurance company wants the details of the other driver - how do I get them?
- I have been involved in a traffic accident and I have an injury, do I need to report it to the police?
- I have been involved in an accident and need a copy of the police accident report. How do I obtain one?
- I have had an accident with a foreign vehicle, what should I do?
- I have hit an animal whilst driving, do I have to report it to the police?
- I have just knocked over a cat and killed it, what should I do?
- I have missed a flight because of a road traffic accident on my way to the airport, the insurance company would like some proof, can you help?
- I stole a car when I was 15 and received penalty points as part of my punishment. What effect will this have when I am old enough to start driving?
- I think there is a CCTV camera at the location where a crime / vehicle collision took place - will it be collected by the police and used in their investigation?
- What are special reasons with regards to disqualified driving?
- What are the driver's responsibilities when involved in an accident?
- What do the police class as an emergency/when should I call 999?
- What documents do I need to take with me to the station to report a road traffic accident?
- What happens if the other driver from an accident has no insurance?
- What is a notice of intended prosecution?
- What is careless/inconsiderate driving or causing death by careless/inconsiderate driving?
- What is 'Cash for Crash', how can I avoid becoming a victim and what do I do if it happens to me?
- What is dangerous driving?
- What is the law in relation to using a mobile phone or other hand-held device whilst driving?
- Where can I get some information on Advanced driving from?
- Which station do I have to report a road traffic accident to?
- Are my L plates lawful?
- Are vehicles such as electric scooters/bikes, quads, go-peds, mini-motos, hoverboards and Segways legal to use on the road/pavement?
- Can I listen to music on a mobile device whilst driving a car or riding a bicycle?
- Can I sell my motor vehicle on the road?
- Can I wear sunglasses whilst driving at night?
- Can quad bikes be used on the road?
- Can you drive with a flag attached to your car window?
- Can you offer any advice for horse riders with regards to being on the road?
- Can you repair vehicles on the road?
- Do the police need a reason to stop me whilst I am driving?
- Does a pedestrian have right of way on a zebra crossing?
- How old do I have to be to drive a moped / car / motorbike?
- I have got a summons for driving offences, but I was not stopped by the police/do not own that car/don't drive, what can I do?
- I have got to produce my documents but I am away on holiday/ on business and do not have the documents, what should I do?
- I have received a summons for driving offences to appear at court (I was not stopped by an officer), what does that mean?
- I have seen some spray that can cover my registration number, is it legal?
- I will be attending a cruise in your area, what advice can you give me?
- If I am issued a parking ticket must it be stuck on my windscreen?
- If I commit an offence whilst driving in the EU, can I be prosecuted by the authorities in that EU country when I return to the UK?
- Is it an offence not to carry all relevant documents when driving so they can be produced for a police officer upon request?
- Is it illegal to drive a car with a broken speedometer?
- Is it illegal to reverse a car onto a main road from a minor road?
- Is it illegal to use a CB or two way radio whilst driving?
- Is it legal to cover my car or motorbike whilst it is on the road?
- Is there a difference between the registered keeper and the owner of a vehicle?
- Is there a legal requirement to have a spare tyre and a jack in your car?
- Is there any way I can find out who the owner of a car is?
- My MOT has expired can I drive my car to the garage for the MOT test?
- What are the benefits of getting a dash cam and can I submit the footage to the police?
- What are the eyesight requirements to drive?
- What are the legal requirements concerning passengers in the rear of motorhomes ?
- What are the legal requirements in relation to carrying a load on my vehicle that overhangs the front, rear or sides?
- What are the requirements to legally drive a car in the United Kingdom?
- What are the rules for drivers in relation to advanced stop lines for cyclists at traffic lights?
- What class of vehicle is a double cab pick up?
- What does a green P plate on a car mean?
- What is the law relating to tyres?
- What is the law relating to three wheel vehicles?
- What should I do if I am at a red traffic light and there is an emergency vehicle behind me trying to get through?
- What should I do if there is an unmarked police car travelling behind me flashing me to stop?
- What types of vehicles are not allowed in the outside lane on the motorway?
- When can I use the horn in my car?
© Copyright 2021 Police National Legal Database
FS 500534