Vaping has become a popular activity for millions of people. It involves inhaling vapor through an electronic cigarette or vape device, which often contains nicotine, flavoring, and other chemicals.
While vaping may seem like a safer alternative to smoking, it comes with many risks. To reduce the number of people using e-cigarettes, California and other states have made changes to their laws and regulations.
California’s Laws on Vaping
California is known for having strong laws to control vaping and e-cigarette use. Even though the state was home to some of the largest vaping companies, including JUUL, lawmakers decided to take action to protect public health. Here’s a look at some important vaping-related laws in California:
E-Cigarettes Are Now Classified as Tobacco Products
California has classified vaping and e-cigarette products as tobacco products, which means they are now subject to the same tax laws as regular cigarettes. This change also means e-cigarettes are regulated more strictly, which aims to reduce their use.
Smoking Age Raised to 21
California has raised the legal age for purchasing tobacco products, including vapes and e-cigarettes, to 21. The only exception is for active military members. This law was put in place to help reduce vaping among young people, especially teenagers, who are highly likely to start using e-cigarettes.
Vape Product Registration Requirements
Another new law in California requires vape shops to register their products before they can be sold. This also comes with fees for vendors, making it more expensive for stores to sell e-cigarettes and vapes. This regulation aims to ensure that only safe, inspected products are available to consumers.
Vaping Banned on School Grounds
Vaping is now illegal on school properties in California, including campuses, playgrounds, and school buses. The law also bans vaping in other public places, such as workplaces, bars, hotels, and warehouses. This ban helps protect children and others from exposure to vaping products in public spaces.
Can You Vape and Drive in California?
While California has laws regulating vaping in public places, there is no specific law that bans vaping while driving. However, there are some things you should consider:
Distraction: Vaping while driving could be distracting, especially if it interferes with your ability to focus on the road. Distracted driving is dangerous and can lead to accidents.
Traffic Violations: If vaping while driving leads to unsafe driving, such as swerving or failing to obey traffic signals, you could be fined for distracted driving or unsafe operation of a vehicle.
Health and Safety Concerns: Vaping can reduce your ability to react quickly, especially if you’re inhaling a lot of vapor. This can increase the risk of accidents.
Although it is not illegal to vape while driving in California, it’s important to remember that vaping can still distract you or impact your driving ability. Staying focused on the road should always be your top priority.
Other States and Federal Laws on Vaping
While California has taken action to regulate vaping, other states have also introduced laws to limit or ban vaping products. Michigan, for example, was the first state to ban the sale of flavored e-cigarettes, although this ban was challenged in court and eventually failed.
FDA’s Ban on Flavored Vaping Products
In 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) implemented a ban on most flavored e-cigarettes, except for tobacco and menthol. This ban is part of the effort to reduce the number of teenagers using vaping products, as flavors like fruit and candy are especially appealing to young people.
The FDA is also requiring e-cigarette companies to take steps to prevent children from accessing their products. If companies do not follow these rules, they could face legal action from the government.
While vaping itself is not illegal in California, there are strict laws surrounding the sale and use of e-cigarettes. Vaping while driving is not specifically prohibited, but it can be dangerous and distracting, which could lead to accidents or violations of other traffic laws.
California’s new laws, such as raising the smoking age and banning vaping on school grounds, aim to protect public health and reduce vaping, especially among teens.
If you use e-cigarettes or vapes, it’s important to stay informed about the laws in your state and always prioritize safety—whether you’re driving or using vaping products in public.
