As of February 2025, vaping while driving in Alabama is not explicitly illegal, but there are important restrictions and considerations to keep in mind.
Alabama has implemented several regulations regarding vaping, with the primary focus on protecting minors and public health:
- The legal age to purchase and possess vaping products is 21 years old.
- Vaping is prohibited in certain public places, including government buildings, healthcare facilities, and schools.
- Many local governments have imposed additional restrictions on vaping in public spaces.
While there is no specific state law that prohibits vaping while driving in Alabama, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks and legal implications:
Vaping while driving could be considered a form of distracted driving. Although not explicitly mentioned in Alabama’s distracted driving laws, law enforcement officers may still pull over drivers who appear to be driving recklessly or not paying attention to the road due to vaping.
If a driver is found to be driving recklessly or inattentively due to vaping, they may be subject to fines or other penalties for distracted driving.
A significant recent development in Alabama law directly impacts vaping in vehicles:
Effective August 1, 2023, a new law in Alabama makes it illegal to smoke or vape in any vehicle where children 14 years old and younger are passengers. This law applies whether the car is moving or stationary, and regardless of whether windows are open or closed.
Violating this law can result in fines of up to $100 for each violation.
The law is enforced as a secondary violation, meaning that a citation can only be issued after a lawful stop for another infraction.
To ensure compliance with the law and promote safe driving:
- Avoid vaping while driving to maintain focus on the road.
- If necessary, pull over in a safe and legal location before using your vaping device.
- Never vape in a vehicle with passengers under 14 years old.
While vaping and driving simultaneously is not explicitly illegal in Alabama, it’s crucial to prioritize road safety and comply with all related laws. The new restriction on vaping with minors in the vehicle demonstrates Alabama’s commitment to protecting children from secondhand vapor exposure.
As laws and regulations surrounding vaping continue to evolve, it’s essential for vapers to stay informed and practice responsible use, especially when operating a vehicle.
- [1] https://www.mobilepd.org/alabamas-no-smoking-law-or-vaping-with-kids-under-14-in-the-car/
- [2] https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/blog/2023/08/nr-07.html
- [3] https://ecigator.com/business/vaping-laws-in-alabama/
- [4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxej-2C7APw
- [5] https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/tobacco/ecigs.html
