As of 2025, vaping while driving is not explicitly illegal in Rhode Island. There are no state laws that directly prohibit vaping nicotine products in a vehicle while operating it.
However, there are important nuances to consider, especially regarding distracted driving and other safety concerns. Below, we will explore the key points of the law and the potential consequences of vaping while driving in Rhode Island.
Vaping Nicotine While Driving
For adults aged 21 and over, there are no specific laws that ban vaping nicotine products while driving. However, vaping can become a safety issue if it distracts the driver or interferes with their ability to operate the vehicle safely.
Distracted Driving
If vaping takes your attention away from the road, or if the act of handling the device causes a manual distraction (for example, adjusting settings or refilling), it could be considered distracted driving.
This can result in a citation under Rhode Island’s distracted driving laws, which are designed to prevent any activity that impairs your ability to drive safely.
You could also be charged with careless driving if your vaping leads to unsafe behavior on the road.
Key Points for Vaping Nicotine While Driving:
No law prohibits vaping nicotine products while driving, but you could face a citation for distracted driving if it affects your driving ability.
Fines and points on your license may be imposed if you are cited for distracted or careless driving.
Vaping Cannabis (THC) While Driving
In Rhode Island, vaping cannabis (or THC products) in a vehicle is strictly illegal. This is because THC is a psychoactive substance that can impair your ability to drive, much like alcohol. Driving under the influence of THC (DUI) is a serious offense and could lead to significant legal consequences.
Penalties for Vaping THC While Driving:
$200 fine for vaping THC in a vehicle.
You could also face DUI charges if you are found to be impaired by THC, leading to possible fines, jail time, and license suspension.
Additional Restrictions on Vaping in Certain Vehicles
There are specific restrictions on vaping in certain types of vehicles:
Work Vehicles: If you are driving a company vehicle, especially if it is used for work purposes, there may be an additional ban on vaping. Many companies have policies that prohibit vaping in their vehicles.
Penalties: If you’re caught vaping in a work vehicle, you could face fines of up to $250 per incident.
Vehicles Used for Transporting Children: There are restrictions on vaping in vehicles that transport children, such as daycare vehicles, school buses, and other child transport vehicles. This is in place to protect children from exposure to potentially harmful substances.
Penalties: Vaping in these types of vehicles can result in a fine and possible additional penalties.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
While vaping nicotine itself does not constitute an impairment for driving, driving under the influence of nicotine or THC from vaping is illegal in Rhode Island. If you are found to be impaired by either substance, you could be charged with DUI or DWI.
Potential Consequences:
Jail time, fines, and license suspension are common penalties for DUI/DWI charges in Rhode Island.
Being caught driving while impaired by any substance, including nicotine or THC, can result in serious consequences.
Summary Table: Vaping and Driving in Rhode Island (2025)
| Scenario | Legal Status | Notes/Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Vaping nicotine while driving | Legal, unless distracted driving | May incur distracted driving fines and points on license |
| Vaping cannabis (THC) in vehicle | Illegal | $200 fine; DUI charges possible |
| Vaping in work vehicles | Illegal | $250 fine per incident |
| Vaping in child-transport vehicles | Illegal | Applies to daycare/school transport vehicles |
| Driving under the influence (DUI) | Illegal | Jail, fines, license suspension |
Best Practices for Vaping While Driving
To minimize legal risk and avoid potential distractions:
Avoid vaping while driving to prevent any risk of distraction or impairment.
If you need to vape, it’s safest to pull over safely before using the device.
Always be aware of the type of substance you are vaping. Vaping cannabis in a vehicle is illegal and could lead to DUI charges.
In Rhode Island, vaping nicotine while driving is generally not illegal unless it distracts you and impairs your ability to drive safely. On the other hand, vaping THC in a vehicle is illegal, and DUI charges could apply if you’re found to be impaired.
Be mindful of additional restrictions on vaping in work vehicles and child-transport vehicles, and always prioritize safety by keeping your attention focused on the road.
To avoid legal risks and distracted driving violations, it’s best to minimize any activities, including vaping, that could divert your attention from driving.
SOURCE
[1] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/07/11/is-it-illegal-to-vape-and-drive-in-rhode-island-heres-what-the-law-says/
[2] https://ecigator.com/guide/rhode-island-vaping-driving-laws/
[3] https://idahonews.com/news/nation-world/rhode-island-flavored-vape-ban-new-year-jan-1-2025
