Can we smoke in the car?
Verified 28 April 2026 - Public Service / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
Smoking in the car is possible if the driver and passengers are all adults.
However, in the presence of a minor, smoking in the car is forbidden. The prohibition applies to all occupants of the vehicle.
Smoking in the car in the presence of a minor shall be punished by fine up to €750. In general, it is a flat-rate fine from €135.
Warning
The driver should not smoke or vaping if the cigarette, or the electronic cigarette, held in the hand, prevents him from driving safely. A driver must always be able to carry out all the maneuvers necessary for driving easily and without delay. In the event of an infringement, the driver risks a fine of €150. In general, this is a flat-rate fine of €35.
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Prohibition of smoking in a vehicle in the presence of a minor (article L3512-9)
Fine for non-compliance with the prohibition on smoking in a vehicle in the presence of a minor (Article R3515-4)
Penalty incurred (Article 131-13)
Contraventions of the first 4 classes for which the public action is extinguished by the payment of a flat-rate fine (Article R48-1)
Behavior of the driver (Article R412-6)
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