For many people, car clubs are a practical way to access a vehicle without the costs of ownership. But with shared cars come shared rules, and one of the most common questions new members ask is whether you’re allowed to smoke in them.

The short answer is no. Smoking isn’t permitted in car club vehicles, and if you do, you could face fines, cleaning charges, or even suspension from the service.

Let’s take a closer look at how most providers handle smoking, why the rule is in place, and what happens if it’s ignored.

Smoking Rules in Car Clubs

Every mainstream car club in the UK — Zipcar, Enterprise and Co-Wheels included — has a blanket ban on smoking. The rule is clear and universal: no cigarettes, no cigars, and usually no vaping either. Break it, and you’ll face cleaning fees, warnings, or suspension.

Where things can differ slightly is with peer-to-peer services like Hiyacar. Because you’re borrowing a neighbour’s car rather than a company fleet vehicle, the rules aren’t enforced in quite the same way. Owners set their own expectations, and most will state “no smoking” in the listing. Even if it isn’t written down, smoking is treated as unacceptable use, and the platform itself can back owners up with penalties if a driver ignores the rule.

In practice, this means there’s a bit more variation: some owners might be stricter than others, and the penalties could include not just cleaning charges but also bad reviews from owners, which can hurt your chances of getting approved for future bookings. Then again, if you strike up a regular renting relationship with a fellow smoker, you could make your own arrangements.

Why Smoking is Banned

The ban on smoking in car club cars isn’t just about keeping things tidy. It’s about protecting all members’ experience. Cigarette smoke lingers in upholstery and ventilation systems, leaving behind odours that non-smokers (and even some smokers) find unpleasant. It can also trigger allergies or asthma, and for legal reasons, shared vehicles can’t be treated like privately owned ones.

Car clubs also need to maintain high vehicle standards. A strong smoke smell can make a car temporarily unfit for rental, costing the operator money in lost bookings and cleaning bills. For that reason, most clubs take a strict approach.

What Happens If You Ignore the Rule?

Breaking the no-smoking policy is treated seriously. If you smoke in a car club vehicle, you could face:

• Cleaning fees – these can range from around £50 to over £100 depending on the provider.
• Suspension or termination – repeat offenders risk losing their membership.
• Reputation damage (for peer-to-peer cars) – on platforms like Hiyacar, smoking can lead to bad feedback, which reduces your chance of being accepted for future bookings.

It’s worth remembering that the costs of breaking the rules can quickly outweigh the cost of the booking itself.

Are E-Cigarettes or Vapes Allowed?

This is a grey area. Most car clubs don’t make a distinction between traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes. While vaping doesn’t leave the same lingering odour, it can still leave residue on windows and surfaces and cause complaints from the next driver.

For that reason, the safest assumption is that vaping is banned too.

What If You Pick Up a Car That Already Smells of Smoke?

If you collect a car and notice a smoke smell or any evidence that the last driver has broken the rules, the first thing you should do is report it immediately using the club’s app or helpline.

This protects you from being blamed and charged for damage you didn’t cause. Operators rely on members reporting issues so they can keep vehicles in good condition.

Keeping Cars Fresh for Everyone

The no-smoking rule is ultimately about fairness. Car clubs depend on shared responsibility, and part of that is returning vehicles in a state that others would be happy to use.

By banning smoking outright, clubs make sure that every member – whether they’re a parent with young children, someone with asthma, or just someone who dislikes the smell – can have a clean and comfortable drive.

Why It’s Best Not to Risk It

The bottom line is simple: you can’t smoke in a car club car. It doesn’t matter which provider you choose – the rule is universal, and breaking it has consequences. If smoking is part of your daily routine, the best option is to plan ahead and wait until after your journey, rather than lighting up in a shared vehicle.

Respecting this rule means fewer complaints, lower fees, and a better experience for everyone who uses car clubs.