SPRINGFIELD – Beginning next year, it will be illegal for Illinoisans to have a child in the car while smoking. Last week, Governor J.B Pritzker signed a bill, effective June 2020, that would make smoking in a car while a child under 18 is present, a violation. The petty offense could be fined up to $100 for a first violation and up to $250 for each thereafter. Authorities are not allowed to issue tickets solely for violating the law, but they can issue tickets if they pull a vehicle over for a different violation. The law also does not apply if the person smoking is a minor who is the sole occupant of the vehicle.
Weekdays 12 a.m. to 5 a.m.
