With the rise of vaping in recent years, many people wonder if it’s legal to vape while driving in Vermont. While some states have clear laws regarding smoking and driving, the laws around vaping can be less straightforward. If you enjoy vaping and want to stay on the right side of the law, it’s essential to understand the regulations in Vermont.
Vaping and Distracted Driving Laws in Vermont
While Vermont does not have specific laws that prohibit vaping while driving, it’s important to understand how existing laws related to distracted driving might apply. Vermont’s distracted driving laws are designed to prevent activities that can impair your ability to drive safely, such as texting, using a cellphone, or engaging in other distractions.
Vaping can be considered a distracting activity if it interferes with your ability to focus on the road. For example, if vaping distracts you long enough to cause a dangerous situation—like swerving, running a red light, or failing to stop in time—police officers could pull you over for distracted driving.
No Laws Against Vaping While Driving
Currently, there are no specific laws in Vermont that make it illegal to vape while driving. Unlike smoking, which can create a physical barrier (e.g., smoke or burning ash), vaping does not impair visibility or directly obstruct the driver’s view in the same way. However, while it may not be outright illegal, it can still lead to dangerous driving behavior. For instance, if you are distracted by trying to vape or are not paying attention to the road, that could result in a reckless driving charge or a citation for distracted driving if an officer deems it necessary.
Can Vaping Lead to a Distracted Driving Ticket?
While vaping itself is not illegal in Vermont, officers may pull you over if your behavior while vaping becomes a distraction. Some potential distractions include:
Lack of Focus: If you’re distracted by preparing your vape or exhaling vapor, you could become less focused on the road, leading to unsafe driving.
Visibility Issues: If excessive vapor clouds block your view of the road or the rearview mirror, it may be considered a driving hazard.
Inability to React to Hazards: If vaping causes you to be less responsive to potential road hazards, such as failing to notice a stop sign or another vehicle, you could be cited for distracted driving.
Laws Regarding Smoking in Vehicles with Minors
Although Vermont does not have laws specifically regarding vaping and driving, there are laws about smoking in a vehicle with minors. If you are driving with a child under 18 years old, it is illegal to smoke in the car. While this law does not apply to vaping, some health experts and advocacy groups argue that the chemicals in vape smoke could still pose risks to young passengers.
Even though vaping may not be prohibited while driving in Vermont, you could face consequences if your actions lead to distracted driving or harm to others. For the safety of all passengers, it’s best to ensure that vaping doesn’t interfere with your driving ability.
While Vermont doesn’t have any specific laws against vaping and driving, the potential for distraction is a real concern. It’s essential to remain focused on the road and ensure that your vaping habits do not interfere with your ability to drive safely. If your behavior while vaping leads to unsafe driving, you could face penalties for distracted driving or reckless driving.
Always make safety your priority while on the road. If you’re distracted by vaping, smoking, or anything else, it could have serious consequences, both legally and for your safety.
SOURCES
[1] https://casaa.org/get-involved/state-locator/vermont/
[2] https://www.healthvermont.gov/wellness/tobacco/policies-and-laws
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_vaping_bans_in_the_United_States
[4] https://www.publichealthlawcenter.org/resources/us-e-cigarette-regulations-50-state-review/vt
[5] https://www.enjuris.com/vermont/car-accident-laws/distracted-driving/
