Can You Smoke on Amtrak Trains?

According to Amtrak smoking policy, travelers are not allowed to smoke on trains and connection services. Also, smoking in the premises of stations is prohibited. No one will be allowed to use any manual or electronic cigarettes during the journey.

However, there can be some instances where the Amtrak staff will provide them a stop to smoke on any station platform, only when the halt is longer, and travelers must remain closer to the train to board it immediately upon the sound of the moving horn. The ban is intact to comply with the Federal regulations.

Overview of Amtrak Smoking Policy

Amtrak, being the largest passenger rail company, follows the strict rules of banning smoking inside the trains and other places, including electronic cigarettes and other vaping devices, under the Banning Smoking on Amtrak Act of 2019.

Smoking of any kind is prohibited on Amtrak property and services, including trains, buses, and stations.
The ban is on every item that is considered to be a smoking item, even if those are electronic.
The policy was made to ensure the safety and decorum of a public place. Saving passengers and staff members from the hazardous affected of smoking.
Passengers found violating these rules will have to face the consequences, like fines or removal from the train.

Prohibited Actions on Amtrak Trains

The Amtrak ban on smoking substances is valid on all its trains and stations. These are the items that are highly objectionable to use while traveling with Amtrak. Additionally, this federal ban extends to marijuana, even in the states where it’s legal.

Smoking: Inhaling a cigarette is prohibited on all Amtrak properties.
Vaping: Travelers cannot use electronic cigarettes on board trains and at stations.
Marijuana: Even though this substance is legal in many states due to its medicinal properties. But still, passengers are not permitted to use it on Amtrak premises.

Alternative Options on Amtrak for Smokers

There are some alternative options for those who would like to smoke while traveling with Amtrak. It will help them plan their smoking schedules within the set limits of the company and maintain the decorum of the place.

Locate a Smoking zone: Generally, smoking zones are present near public areas like railway stations. Travelers can find them beforehand and use them before boarding their trains.

Plan for smoke breaks: For longer journeys, enquire about the potential smoking breaks at some stations from the Amtrak staff on board, and stay near the train to re-board quickly.

Use Nicotine: Some nicotine chewing gums can help them control their urge to smoke, especially on shorter routes where providing breaks is impossible.

Smoke during layovers: If someone has a longer break, they can step out after confirming with the crew members to smoke in a safe and designated zone.

Do not smoke inside the train: Smoking inside the train can cause big fines and penalties, and even result in expulsion from the journey.

Note: Smoking breaks can be eliminated when the train is running late or the breaks are shorter.

Conclusion

Passengers are not permitted to smoke in the areas owned by Amtrak. There are no Amtrak trains that allow smoking, as per the rules and guidelines mentioned in the smoking policy. This ban is imposed on all kinds of items that are likely to be used by a person.

However, they are allowed to smoke at certain designated smoking areas outside the Amtrak region. Moreover, smoking breaks are offered to passengers at some specific stations when the stop is longer than usual. Marijuana is also banned on board, even when it’s used for medicinal purposes.

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