$200 Fine for “Smoke-Free Vehicles” Violators

Courtesy file image.

Officers from the Maui Police Department’s Traffic Division are joining the Maui Coalition for Drug-Free Youth a “Smoke-Free Ride when Keiki Inside” campaign organized by the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaiʻi.

Officers will join supporters in a sign waving event this afternoon along the Maui Veterans Highway (Mokulele) near Hansen Road in Kahului. Councilmember Yuki Lei Sugimura, who championed the bill at County Council will also join in the educational event.

The campaign celebrates the launch of the upcoming MPD special operation to enforce traffic violations in school zones. This operation includes and highlights the new law for smoke-free vehicles with minors present, and will run during the first two weeks of school.

The newly passed county ordinance prohibits smoking within a vehicle that is occupied by a person under 18 years of age.  Those caught violating this ordinance face a $200 fine.

During the enforcement effort, officers will also focus on violations to Speed Limits, Seatbelt use, Child Restraints and Mobile Electronic Device (cell phone use) laws.

The maximum fines for speeding within a school zone increases to $322 and $347 for using a Mobile Electronic Device.

Drivers are also being reminded about the state’s “Move Over Law” which requires all drivers approaching an emergency vehicle that is stopped with its flashing emergency lights, to slow down to a safe speed and if possible make a lane change into the adjacent lane.  A violation comes with a mandatory court date.