Beijing bans smoking in taxis ahead of Games

updated 8:34 a.m. ET Oct. 2, 2007

BEIJING - As part of its efforts to spruce up the city ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing has banned smoking in taxis, state media reported Tuesday.

The Xinhua News Agency said smoking — ubiquitous in China — was banned in all of the city's 66,000 taxis for both drivers and passengers. Drivers will be fined $13-26 if caught smoking at the wheel.

Passengers caught smoking will have their names "exposed through media," Xinhua quoted Ma Yanjie, deputy head of the city's taxi bureau, as saying. The agency said green-colored "No Smoking" signs have been posted in most taxis for the ban that started Monday.

Beijing has implemented a long list of measures to clean up the city and its citizens for the games starting Aug. 8.

The list includes plans to limit the number of cars in the city, and to close foul-smelling factories to improve Beijing's notoriously noxious air pollution.

Etiquette campaigns are also afoot to stamp out bad manners like jumping ahead in line, spitting, littering and reckless driving.

More from msnbc.com Chinese city goes from riots to a beauty contest Cosmic Log: Galaxies go into shock Some 911 centers can’t keep tabs on cell phones Stub your toe? Say ‘Sh#!’ You’ll feel better Top secret: The CIA wants to hire you

MORE FROM ASIA-PACIFIC

Asia-Pacific Section Front

Japan’s Cabinet survives no-confidence vote S. Korean says hackers extracted data in attacks China stops shock therapy for Internet addicts Chinese police kill 2 protesters Analysts cast doubt on North Korean report Most Muslim nations silent on China riots Japan's ruling party could lose power China city goes from riots to a beauty contest Miners rescued after 25 days underground Asia-Pacific Section Front   Add Asia-Pacific headlines to your news reader: