July 6, 2024

Athens News

News in English from Greece

Seen someone smoking while driving? Let us know. "where it is necessary"


Citizens now have the opportunity to report a driver or passenger smoking in a car in the presence of a small child.

Not only are smokers generally less healthy than non-smokers, but also those who are exposed to passive smoking, that is, inhales smoke. Second-hand smoke is especially harmful to children because, according to experts, their lungs are still developing. For this reason, the law prohibits smoking in a car if there is a child under 12 years old in it. However, as we discover every day, many drivers or passengers “don't give a damn” and do whatever they want, becoming lawbreakers.

The habit of smoking while driving has not gone unnoticed by the National Transparency Office, which launched a few days ago telephone line 1142, where you can file a complaint about violations of anti-tobacco legislation. In other words, 1142 gives a citizen the opportunity to “turn in” a smoking driver or other passenger of a vehicle who is breaking the law.

The telephone line will be open daily from 08:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday. Complaints can also be submitted online at 1142.aead.gr (click here) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Those who decide to file a complaint online only need to fill in the fields regarding the date of the event, the place where it occurred, describe it and, if desired, attach a corresponding image. The complaint can be filed either personally or anonymously..

  • According to the Anti-Smoking Act (4633/2019), smoking and the use of tobacco products are completely prohibited in all private and public vehicles when minors under 12 years of age are riding in them.
  • The fine is set at 1,500 euros and applies not only to the driver of the vehicle, but also to any passenger smoking inside it.

In the case of public transport, the fine is doubled to 3,000 euros. In addition, the 3,000 euro fine is accompanied by a one-month suspension of the driver's license. This means that if, for example, two passengers are found smoking, the suspension period is doubled.



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