As of January 2025, there is no specific law in Tennessee that explicitly prohibits vaping while driving. However, there are some related regulations and considerations to be aware of:
Smoking in Vehicles
While vaping is not explicitly mentioned, Tennessee law prohibits smoking in motor vehicles owned, leased, or operated by the state. This ban applies to traditional cigarettes and does not directly address vaping or e-cigarettes.
Child Safety Concerns
In 2019, a bill was introduced in the Tennessee Senate that would have prohibited smoking and vaping in a motor vehicle when a child secured in a child safety seat is present. However, this bill did not become law.
General Vaping Regulations
Tennessee has some broader regulations on vaping that could potentially impact drivers:
- The use of vapor products is prohibited in many enclosed public spaces, similar to smoking restrictions.
- The minimum age to purchase or possess vapor products in Tennessee is 21 years old.
Distracted Driving Considerations
While not specific to vaping, Tennessee has laws against distracted driving. If vaping while driving causes a driver to become distracted or drive recklessly, they could potentially face penalties under these laws.
Conclusion
While vaping and driving is not explicitly illegal in Tennessee as of 2025, drivers should be aware of general vaping restrictions, child safety considerations, and the potential for distracted driving.
It’s always advisable to prioritize safe driving practices and to avoid any activities that could compromise one’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Sources:
- https://www.mtas.tennessee.edu/reference/non-smoker-protection-act
- https://casaa.org/get-involved/state-locator/tennessee/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_vaping_bans_in_the_United_States
- https://www.findlaw.com/state/criminal-laws/vaping-and-e-cigarette-laws-by-state.html
- https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tacir/commission-meetings/2024december/2024Dec_Tab7Vaping_DRAFT.pdf
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