What’s It to Me?
Laws & Penalties
Teens
who smoke under the age of 18 are not only ruining their lives but also breaking the law. When a teenager buys
cigarettes less than 18 years of age they are fined and have to attend a Tobacco Awareness Program or do hours
of community service. Selling tobacco to minors is a class C misdemeanor. Clerks must ask for proof of age of
customers younger than 27 years of age before they sell tobacco products.
Penalties for selling tobacco to minors:
- 1st offense: Up to $500 in fines.
- 2nd offense: Up to $750 in fines.
- 3rd offense: Up to $1000 or 3 day permit suspension.
- 4th+ offense: Revocation of permit.
Smoking on school property is prohibited. Teachers and students are not allowed to smoke or use tobacco products on school property or at any school related functions.
Tobacco companies are prohibited to giving away free tobacco products to any teenager under the age of 18. Tobacco companies are banned to sale cigarettes of less then 20 per pack. For the complete list of laws concerning tobacco in the state of Texas, check out Texas Department of State Health Services Tobacco Prevention and Control.
No buts!
Get the facts. Decide for yourself.
Live your life.
Some pages
on this website are created and maintained by kids—members of Texas
4-H.