One year on from the introduction of the smoking ban, Direct Line has insisted that many workers are unaware the law includes work vehicles.
According to research carried out by the
van insurance provider, more than 7.5 million motorists did not know that smoking in a commercially-owned van or truck is illegal.
However, the group warned that ignorance was no defence and urged workers to make sure they kicked the habit while behind the wheel.
Kate Syred, head of Direct Line for Business, also warned employers: "Failing to prevent smoking in a smoke-free premises or vehicle carries a fine by a court of up to £2,500. There are of course safety implications too."
She cited in-house research suggesting that smokers drive 23 per cent faster than non-smokers on average.
A report published earlier this week by Cancer Research UK showed that the smoking ban contributed to a 5.5 per cent fall in smoking rates across the country when compared to the previous year's figures.
InsureandGo offers
van insurance protection to suit individual needs.