Smoking in cars with kids could soon be illegal in Virginia

(AP) – Smoking cigarettes in a vehicle in the presence of young children may soon be illegal in Virginia.

As previous reported the bill awaiting the governor’s signature would make it illegal to smoke in a motor vehicle with children under 8. Violators could be hit with a $100 fine.

The House voted in favor of the bill in February, and the Senate passed it March 3. It’s now in the hands of Gov. Terry McAuliffe.

If signed, the law would take effect July 1. McAuliffe has until April 11 to act.

The violation would be a secondary offense, meaning it would affect only drivers already pulled over for other reasons.

Ashley Gregory is the senior health educator for the Tobacco Use and Control Program through the Virginia Health Department and cites the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, especially on developing lungs.