The President of the Police Officers Union (POU-GWU), Sandro Camilleri, has clarified that no new laws on driving and smoking were enacted recently, except the law which banned smoking in a car where minors present, which came into force at beginning of last year.

There was some confusion after the inspector, while speaking on TV some days ago, said that people caught smoking behind the wheel would from now onwards be fined €50.

But in a Facebook post Camilleri clarified that this was not some new law coming into force.

Contacted by this newsroom, Camilleri said smoking, along with other activities that can distract a driver (such as eating, drinking or applying makeup) have always been illegal. These are considered to be a contravention and carry a fine of €11.65.

Camilleri also added that since the points system has been adopted, fewer people have been caught using their mobile phone whilst driving, for example.

“These laws are the bread and butter of driving rules. They have always existed. Nothing has changed,” he concluded.