70.155.080 - Purchasing, possessing by persons under eighteen -- Civil infraction -- Jurisdiction. - Washington Statutes

Purchasing, possessing by persons under eighteen — Civil infraction — Jurisdiction.

(1) A person under the age of eighteen who purchases or attempts to purchase, possesses, or obtains or attempts to obtain cigarettes or tobacco products commits a class 3 civil infraction under chapter 7.80 RCW and is subject to a fine as set out in chapter 7.80 RCW or participation in up to four hours of community restitution, or both. The court may also require participation in a smoking cessation program. This provision does not apply if a person under the age of eighteen, with parental authorization, is participating in a controlled purchase as part of a liquor control board, law enforcement, or local health department activity.

     (2) Municipal and district courts within the state have jurisdiction for enforcement of this section.

[2002 c 175 § 47; 1998 c 133 § 2; 1993 c 507 § 9.]

Notes: Effective date -- 2002 c 175: See note following RCW 7.80.130.

Finding -- Intent -- 1998 c 133: "The legislature finds that the protection of adolescents' health requires a strong set of comprehensive health and law enforcement interventions. We know that youth are deterred from using alcohol in public because of existing laws making possession illegal. However, while the purchase of tobacco by youth is clearly prohibited, the possession of tobacco is not. It is the legislature's intent that youth hear consistent messages from public entities, including law enforcement, about public opposition to their illegal use of tobacco products." [1998 c 133 § 1.]