Smoking and public transport - what applies?

Since July 1, 2019, it is prohibited by law to smoke near public transport in Sweden. Law 2018:2088 on tobacco and similar products regulates this.

Where does the smoking ban apply?

The smoking ban applies to areas connected to public transport, for example platforms, bus stops and taxi zones. Other outdoor areas intended for travelers such as areas around ticket machines and other points of sale and walkways adjacent to the track area are also covered by the ban.

What is "tobacco and similar products"?

The law applies to the following products:

Cigarettes
Rolling tobacco
Hookah tobacco
Other tobacco products for smoking such as cigars and pipe tobacco
E-cigarettes and refill containers
Herbal products for smoking
Hookahs

Public transport is for everyone

The law was introduced so that everyone can travel by public transport without being bothered by smoke. People who are hypersensitive to smoke, for example children and allergy sufferers, must be able to use public transport without being affected by the smoke. The law was also introduced to reduce the number of people using tobacco and similar products, and to reduce the risk and spread of tobacco and smoking-related diseases.

Consideration for fellow travelers

The law does not say how far the smoke-free area extends around, for example, stops and platforms. The distance must be large enough that smoke from, for example, a cigarette or e-cigarette does not affect those who stay around or in the smoke-free areas.

Who is responsible for compliance with the smoking ban?

Whoever owns or disposes of a premises or a space is responsible for compliance with the smoking ban. In short, whoever has the practical ability to ensure that the regulations are followed.

According to the provisions of the law, the person responsible for the smoking ban must clearly inform about the law through signage and, if necessary, intervene with information and announcements.