No, it’s not illegal to vape and drive in Vermont for adults alone in the vehicle, but it’s strictly prohibited if a child under 18 is present, and distraction from vaping can still lead to tickets.
Statewide Vaping Laws
Vermont bans vaping (e-cigarettes or tobacco substitutes) in vehicles with anyone under 18, including in car seats or boosters—covering kids typically 7 and younger. This falls under public health protections akin to smoking bans, enforced statewide with no exemptions for open windows.
For solo drivers or adults only, no specific statute outlaws it, but 23 V.S.A. § 1066 covers careless or distracted driving if exhaling vapor impairs control or vision.
Key Restrictions
- Minors Present: Civil penalty up to $100–$500 first offense; possible license points or vehicle impound for repeats.
- Public Bans: Vaping prohibited in workplaces, schools, and indoor public spaces; flavored products face sales curbs since 2026.
- Age Rules: Must be 21+ to possess or buy vaping products (7 V.S.A. § 1005).[
Enforcement and Penalties
Police patrol for child exposure violations; fines start at $250, escalating with harm shown. Distracted vaping risks $150–$500 careless driving tickets plus surcharges. Vermont Health Department promotes reporting via 802-QUIT-NOW hotline.
Best Practices
Vape only when parked if minors ride along. Use hands-free devices to minimize distraction. Check legislature.vermont.gov for 2026 flavored ban updates affecting e-liquids.
SOURCES :
- https://mywaynecountynow.com/is-it-illegal-to-vape-and-drive-in-vermont-heres-what-the-law-says/
- https://ecigator.com/web-stories/vermont-vaping-driving-laws/
