As I understand the law, you cannot smoke in a vehicle that is being operated meaning that even if you are a passenger and not driving, you better not light up. In your car w/ the keys in your purse should be fine. I smoke in public all the time. I'm just VERY discreet about it. I usually just take a little walk and find a quiet spot and medicate. Sometimes I even medicate while walking. If a cop wants to mess with you, he can. I was a police officer for 1 1/2 years and trust me, they can mess with anyone, anytime. It was taught in the police academy as "creative report writing". That being said, I have smoked within 200 ft of officers (downwind. DUH!) and haven't had a problem even though one of them saw me do it. I was being as discreet as possible, but you don't ask an asthmatic or diabetic to not take their medicine in public. I don't really see a difference. Be discreet. I also must add that an officers response to you may very well be based upon your appearance as well as general behavior. If you are wearing the stereotypical baggy pants, XXX-LG T-shirt that says "I smoke weed!" or "420!", and acting like a punk then you will be viewed and treated as one. I know a lot of people will say that's profiling, and it is. I learned that I am more likely to find dope, weapons, and stolen property on an individual dressed in this fashion as opposed to the person wearing a decent fitting, un-offensive shirt and pants and not having lines cut into their eyebrows. That's been my experience in the real world.:rasta: