In Kentucky, vaping laws have tightened significantly in recent years, especially with new restrictions taking effect in 2025. However, when it comes specifically to vaping while driving, the law is nuanced and depends on several factors.
Vaping and Driving: Is It Illegal?
- No Statewide Ban on Vaping While Driving:
As of May 2025, there is no Kentucky law that explicitly prohibits adults from vaping while driving their private vehicles. The state’s vaping regulations focus primarily on sales, age restrictions, and use in certain public or government-owned spaces rather than private vehicle use. - Restrictions for Minors:
It is illegal for anyone under 21 to possess or use vapor products, including while driving. If a minor is caught vaping in a car, they can face penalties. - School and Government Vehicles:
Vaping is strictly prohibited in vehicles owned, leased, or operated by the Kentucky Executive Branch, which includes state vehicles, school buses, and other official vehicles. Vaping is also banned on school property and during school-related trips.
New 2025 Laws: What’s Changing?
- Product Restrictions:
Starting January 1, 2025, only vape products that have received FDA marketing authorization or have applied for it can be legally sold in Kentucky. This will dramatically reduce the variety of vaping products available, especially flavored disposables. - Focus on Underage Use:
The new laws are designed to curb youth vaping, with a continued emphasis on enforcing age restrictions and targeting products that appeal to minors.
Other Considerations for Vaping While Driving
- Distracted Driving:
While vaping itself is not banned in private vehicles, any behavior that distracts a driver (such as handling a vape device or producing large clouds of vapor that obscure visibility) could potentially be cited under Kentucky’s distracted driving or reckless driving laws. However, there is no specific statute targeting vaping in this context. - Local Ordinances:
Some Kentucky municipalities have their own smoke-free or vape-free ordinances, which may extend to certain public spaces or vehicles, but these do not typically apply to private vehicles unless transporting minors.
Kentucky Vaping Laws and Driving
| Situation | Is Vaping Legal? |
|---|---|
| Adult vaping in private car | Yes, unless distracted driving |
| Under 21 vaping in car | No |
| Vaping in state/government/school vehicle | No |
| Vaping on school trips | No |
| Vaping in public/private spaces (general) | Varies by local ordinance |
Key Takeaways
- Adults can vape in their own cars in Kentucky, but minors cannot.
- Vaping is banned in government, school, and certain public vehicles.
- Distracted driving laws may apply if vaping interferes with safe operation of a vehicle.
- New 2025 laws restrict what vape products can be sold, but do not directly address vaping while driving.
If you have more questions about vaping laws or want details on local ordinances, feel free to ask!
Sources:
- https://www.publichealthlawcenter.org/resources/us-e-cigarette-regulations-50-state-review/ky
- https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/politics/2024/12/27/new-vape-laws-taking-effect
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQRPQLt6zAM
- https://1061evansville.com/new-2025-laws-indiana-kentucky/
- https://casaa.org/get-involved/state-locator/kentucky/
