In short, yes.
Under a new law passed by Governor Pritzker, Illinois police officers can now issue you a citation if you are smoking a cigarette with any passenger under the age of 18. That includes family. So if you are a tobacco smoker, be mindful, because if police see a child in the car with you, even if your car is parked, you can be cited.
It is important to know that under the new statute, a police officer can not use the "cigarette in front of a minor" as a basis for a traffic stop. In other words, police officers technically aren't allowed to pull you over for the sole basis of enforcing this tobacco law. However, if you have a headlight out, improper/expired registration, or any other equipment violation, the police can pull you over and once you are detained, they can issue you a citation for smoking in front of a minor.
It is important to realize that with changing marijuana laws, and new "vape" technologies, police may be alerted to any vehicle that has smoke coming from its windows. It is the job of law enforcement to make sure people are not driving under the influence. So if you are a tobacco smoker, be mindful of traffic laws and be aware of the age of any passengers. It is getting harder and harder to smoke as college campuses, private businesses, and public parks are all restricting tobacco smoking. Know your rights.
Illinois is also putting restrictions and prohibitions on "flavored vape" products. While this ban is in effect, police officers will be cracking down drivers. We have all seen those clouds of smoke coming from a car's cracked window while you are sitting at a stoplight. Now, will police see that smoke and pull you over to take a closer look?
There is still so much unknown about vaping and the legality of these products that a lot of what is coming out in the news is merely speculation. But it is more important to simply be aware. The health complications are completely unknown and so are the penalties under the law.
Below is a local news clip addressing the new tobacco law:
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