As outlined in the Examiner in April, new laws came into effect on July 1 which affect both smokers and retailers that sell tobacco products.

Billboards and print advertisements will be ramped up from this week to remind smokers of the new rules.

“The advertisements will hammer home the message that from July 1, drivers and smokers will be banned from smoking in cars when a child or passenger under the age of 16 is present,” Minister assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) Jodi McKay said in a statement released at the weekend.

“Any driver or passenger who is caught violating this new law could attract a $250 on-the-spot fine from NSW Police.”

If the person fined elects not to pay and have the matter dealt with in the courts, a magistrate can impose a fine of up to $1100.

If a passenger is smoking the driver will also be liable under the new laws.

As part of the changes, non-speciality tobacco retailers must also ensure that all tobacco products are out of sight by July 1, 2010. Specialty tobacco retailers (or those who derive most of their income from tobacco sales) must register within 12 months to make the changes which have to be implemented in three years.

A Glen Innes Police spokesperson said officers from the New England Highway patrol said Glen Innes police would be enforcing the the new laws.