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As of today, using tobacco products is forbidden on Athens Technical College's main campus in Athens, as well as satellite campuses in Elbert, Walton and Greene counties.

College officials made just one exception: Students and staff can smoke if they are sitting in their own vehicles, and are allowed to keep a door open when they do.

Penalties for violators will be stiff - a letter of warning on a first offense, a $50 fine for a second violation and dismissal from the college for a third. Despite the stringent policy, Athens Tech officials expect the change to go smoothly today, as spring quarter classes begin.

Other state colleges have enacted similar restrictions with little complaint, said Andrea Daniel, Athens Tech vice president for student affairs.

"I haven't had one student to come into my office to complain," Daniel said. "So far, we have received very little resistance and a lot of positive feedback."

A few people have complained by e-mail that their right to smoke has been violated, she said.

College officials began planning the ban months ago, and several weeks ago notified workers and students that, effective March 30, tobacco no longer would be allowed. Smokeless tobacco is prohibited as well.

Workers also posted no-smoking signs in areas formerly used as outdoor smoking areas, Daniel said.

College officials also are offering free smoking-cessation classes for students who want to quit, Daniel said.

The Athens Tech ban leaves the University of Georgia as the only area college that does not ban smoking on campus, though smoking is forbidden in UGA buildings in accordance with state law. Last fall, the UGA Athletic Association enacted a smoking ban inside Sanford Stadium.

Smoking is prohibited on Piedmont College's Athens campus, at Gainesville State College's Oconee campus, on Clarke County School District campuses and in Athens-Clarke County parks.