In February 2016, Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly voted in favour of an amendment contained within the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill (2015) to ban anyone from smoking in private vehicles (such as cars) carrying children.

This paper explores:
• the health risks associated with exposure of children to second-hand smoke, and the dangers posed by smoke toxins in private vehicles;
• the use of legislation and policy to change people’s behaviour;
• arguments for and against the introduction of a ban;
• the position in Northern Ireland - compared with the rest of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, which have recently introduced similar bans; and
• if there is any evidence from elsewhere regarding the efficacy of smoking bans in private vehicles carrying children.