Modern Ukrainian legislation is waging an uncompromising fight against smoking in public places, which include parks, playgrounds, vehicles, trains and underpasses. Under Law No. 4844-VI, the government expanded the list of places where smoking is banned. The list now includes train vestibules, platforms, passageways and terminals. The law also requires designated smoking areas to be set up.
Under these restrictions, a smoking area on a train may take up no more than 10% of the total floor space and must have an ashtray, an appropriate sign and an extraction system. However, at present not every carriage has a smoking area that meets all the legal requirements.
Experience suggests that, officially, smoking on trains is not allowed. However, there are no strict penalties for breaking this rule. Back in 2013 the police reduced the number of officers on long-distance and suburban trains. The train manager was given the right to issue fines and reports, but is in no hurry to do so.
According to the law, smoking is banned not only in the carriage but also on the platform and on station premises. But on long journeys lasting more than a day, it is hard to resist the temptation. So by studying the nuances of the law closely, you can find “loopholes” in the ban that let you smoke without being penalised.
Railway staff sometimes make certain allowances for smokers so that the rule is broken in a “controlled area” rather than at random. Where you can smoke:
- Designated areas. Some trains have separate carriages or rooms set aside for smoking. These must be properly equipped and marked. However, it is quite difficult to do this in a legally sound way, so far from all railway administrations dare to set up such areas.
- Designated spots. You can smoke on the platform in a specially equipped “smoking area” located 15 metres from the train. No fines for smoking apply here.
- At ordinary stops. In some towns smoking next to the train is allowed. Before leaving the carriage, find out how long the train will stop at the station so that you don't miss its departure.
Despite strict controls, passengers still find ways to have a smoke. By learning from others' experience, you can try to avoid fines.
Places where smoking is banned:
- The compartment. This is the most common place people try to smoke, as it is the easiest to reach. However, it is harder to avoid being caught here, because the smoke instantly spreads through the carriage and bothers non-smokers. Attendants have the right to impose fines.
- The toilet. There is no way out here for either the passenger or the smoke. The evidence only clears after 20 minutes, and spending that long in a public toilet is not easy.
- The platform. You can wait for a stop and try to smoke on the platform. This is safest at night and at deserted stations.
So smoking on trains turns into a real quest won by the most agile and cunning passengers. Knowing the rules on smoking on trains helps travellers understand more clearly how to comply with the law and avoid possible fines. With rules constantly changing and new restrictions being added, it is important to keep up with the latest updates and adapt in good time so you can travel comfortably and within the law.
