A ban on smoking in taxis took effect in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, on Wednesday, Shanxi Evening News reported.

Taxi drivers caught smoking in cabs could be fined from 50 to 200 yuan ($8-33), according to the regulation released by the city's passenger transportation office.

Also, they are allowed to refuse service to passengers who insist on smoking.

The smoking ban is a move to enhance the quality of Taiyuan taxi service and raise awareness of smoke-free public areas.

Dong Haiyuan, director of Shanxi Provincial Health Education Center, said that smoking in public areas is a serious killer of air quality, promoting the legislation.