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HomePublic Utilities CodeDiv. 1Pt. 1Ch. 3Art. 4§ 561 Public Transit Smoking Ban

§ 561 Public Transit Smoking Ban

Public Utilities Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 561 Public Transit Smoking Ban

Key Takeaways

  • •No smoking is allowed in any passenger seating area on trains, buses, planes, or streetcars that start their trips in this state.
  • •Companies must put up clear 'No Smoking' signs where passengers can easily see them when they board.
  • •If you smoke in a no-smoking area, you can get in trouble, but it’s not a crime.
  • •The rules apply to all types of smoking and tobacco products.

Example

You are on a bus that starts its trip in this state, and you light a cigarette in your seat.

This is not allowed. The bus company must have 'No Smoking' signs, and you can get in trouble for smoking, even though it’s not a crime.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 561 Public Transit Smoking Ban

(a) Every railroad corporation, passenger stage corporation, passenger air carrier, and street railroad corporation providing departures originating in this state shall prohibit the smoking of a tobacco product in the passenger seating area of every passenger car, passenger stage, aircraft, or other vehicle. (b) Every such corporation and carrier shall display in the passenger seating area of every passenger car, passenger stage, aircraft, or other vehicle, notices sufficient in number, posted in such locations as to be readily seen by boarding passengers, advising passengers of the no smoking requirements pursuant to subdivision (a). Words on such notices which state “No Smoking” or an equivalent phrase shall be at least three-quarters of one inch high, and any other explanatory words on the notices shall be at least one-quarter of one inch high. (c) No person shall smoke a tobacco product in a space known by him or her to be designated for nonsmoking passengers. A violation of this subdivision is not a crime. (d) As used in this section, “passenger air carrier” shall have the same meaning as provided in Sections 2741 and 2743. (e) For purposes of this section, “smoke” and “smoking” have the same meaning as in subdivision (c) of Section 22950.5 of the Business and Professions Code. (f) For purposes of this section, “tobacco product” means a product or device as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 22950.5 of the Business and Professions Code. (Amended by Stats. 2016, 2nd Ex. Sess., Ch. 7, Sec. 25. (SB 5 2x) Effective June 9, 2016.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

corporationno smokingtobacco productfineroadcrimevehicleport

Related Statutes

  • § 451.7 Industrial Heat Recovery Exemption
  • § 462 Passenger Transfer Requirements
  • § 560 Railroad Connection Requirements
  • § 622 Carrier Terminal Property Condemnation
  • § 7901 Utility Line Construction Rights

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Public Utilities Code. Section 561.
View Official Source