India is home to the world’s second-largest population. It is not easy to manage the road safety laws in the country. No need to mention that Road safety and reducing driver distractions have long been the goals of driving laws in India. However, several components that fall under the category of responsible driving are covered by a range of traffic laws in the country, and the question of whether it is permitted to smoke while driving comes up in the minds of individuals regularly. If you are also one of those people who has this question in mind, then this article is a must-read for you. Smoking Cigarettes while driving is not particularly prohibited by law in India, but it may nevertheless result in legal complications in various situations, especially if it interrupts the driver and endangers road safety. This article examines the possible repercussions of cigarette smoking at the time of driving throughout the nation as well as the legal ramifications of doing so.
What does the Motor Vehicle Act say about smoking while driving?
It is illegal to smoke or consume liquor in a public setting. In this case, your vehicle is likewise considered as a public area while it is there on the road. At present, you will receive a challan from the police and will not be allowed to give an explanation if you are caught smoking while in the automobile. Accordingly, smoking cigarettes while in a car is illegal according to Subsection DMVR 86.1(5)/177 of the Motor Vehicle Act, in addition to drinking alcohol while doing the same.
What are the dangers of smoking while driving?
A cigarette must be reached for, lit, inhaled, and exhaled, among other bodily activities, in order to smoke. Regardless of their seeming routineness, these types of behaviors might lead a motorist to lose focus on the road, especially in circumstances that require fast reflexes. Getting distracted while driving is a well-known risk factor for traffic accidents across the globe, and Indian authorities are increasingly becoming more watchful of activities that can cause a driver to lose concentration.
You must be already aware of the fact that driving while being distracted is covered by the Motor Vehicles Act in the country. “Dangerous driving,” which includes any activity that impairs the driver’s control of the vehicle, is punishable under Section 184 of that law.
In an attempt to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke, Indian authorities maintains these stringent laws governing smoking in public areas according to the Cigarette & Other Tobacco Product Act (COTPA). It is forbidden to smoke in public places like restaurants, workplaces, and public transportation. We would like to mention that unless the car is being utilized as public transportation, for example as a bus or taxi, cigarette smoking behind private vehicles is exempt from COTPA. As a result, smoking in private automobiles may still be governed by traffic rules even though it may not be prohibited from the point of view of healthcare.
Conclusion:
It’s Crucial for drivers to prioritize road safety first and also understand that whatever distraction, including smoking, can raise the chance of an accident. Maintaining concentration while driving is still a shared obligation among all drivers, and Indian authorities are progressively becoming more vigilant about driving distractions. As a result, abstaining from smoking while operating a motor vehicle is the safest course of action, guaranteeing a safer atmosphere for the driver and other road users.
