Many people think vaping is safer than smoking, but when it comes to protecting kids, the law in Louisiana now treats them the same. If you vape while driving with children in the car, you could be breaking the law.
As of August 1, 2020, it is illegal in Louisiana to use a vape or e-cigarette in a vehicle if a child under the age of 13 is present. This law was passed to protect children from secondhand exposure to the harmful chemicals found in vape smoke.
Let’s break down what this law means and how it could affect drivers in Louisiana.
What the New Law Says About Vaping in Cars
Louisiana has long banned smoking traditional tobacco—like cigarettes, cigars, and pipes—inside vehicles with young children. But in House Bill 109, lawmakers added vaping devices to the list of banned activities.
This means that if you’re driving a car with a child under 13 years old, you cannot legally vape inside the vehicle—even if the windows are down.
According to Matthew Henderson from the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office, this update to the law treats vaping the same as smoking. The same restrictions that apply to smokers now also apply to vapers.
Why Was This Law Passed?
Health experts have found that vaping still releases harmful substances, including:
Nicotine (even in lower amounts)
Heavy metals
Formaldehyde
Other chemical byproducts from the heating process
These substances can affect children’s lung development and overall health. Since children are more sensitive to airborne chemicals, even secondhand vape smoke can be dangerous.
That’s why Louisiana lawmakers decided to expand the protection to include vaping, not just smoking.
What Is the Penalty for Breaking the Law?
If you’re caught vaping in a car with a child under 13, you could face:
A fine of $150
Possible traffic stops or citations by law enforcement
In Lincoln Parish, for example, anyone violating this rule may be fined under Louisiana Revised Statute 23:300.4.
Does the Law Apply to All Cars and All People?
Yes. This law applies to:
All drivers and passengers, regardless of who is vaping
All private vehicles, even if the person is not the child’s parent
Even if the child is in the back seat or in a car seat, it’s still illegal to vape in the vehicle while they’re present.
Can You Vape in the Car if No Kids Are Present?
Yes. The law only bans vaping in vehicles when a child under 13 is present. If you’re alone, or with other adults or older teens, vaping inside your car is not against the law in Louisiana.
However, some people still choose not to vape while driving for safety reasons, since vaping can be a distraction just like using a phone.
In Louisiana, it is illegal to vape in a car if a child under 13 is inside. The law treats vaping the same way it treats smoking and aims to protect children from secondhand exposure to harmful chemicals. If you break this law, you could face a $150 fine or other penalties.
So, if you vape and drive, be aware of who’s riding with you. If there’s a child under 13 in the car, it’s best to wait until you’re alone or outside to vape. It’s a simple way to protect kids’ health—and avoid legal trouble.
