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Mich. Lawmaker Wants To Ban Tobacco Use In Cars With Kids

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - A lawmaker wants to limit the use of tobacco products in motor vehicles in Michigan when children are present.

Legislation announced Wednesday by Democratic state Rep. Sam Singh of East Lansing would make it illegal for any tobacco product to be lit in a vehicle when a person under the age of 18 is inside.

As proposed, a violation could result in a $500 fine. Singh said he wants a yearlong grace period so people can get used to the change.

Singh said that the bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to make smoking in the presence of a minor a primary offense, meaning an officer could pull over a motorist if they spot a violation.

"We've done a lot throughout the state to ban smoking in restaurants and other places, but I'm really concerned that when you have children in a vehicle, they don't have a say if their parents smoke," Singh told Mlive.com. "This to me is common-sense legislation. Most parents already abide by this, but for those who don't, we want to discourage them."

At least six other states have similar laws.

TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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