Is It Illegal to Vape and Drive in Iowa? Here’s What the Law Says

There is no Iowa state law that categorically prohibits vaping (nicotine or tobacco products) while driving for adults aged 21 or older driving alone or with other adults.

However, if vaping results in distracted or unsafe driving—such as taking your hands off the wheel to refill a vape, exhaling vapor that obstructs vision, or otherwise not having full attention on the road—you can be stopped and cited under Iowa’s distracted driving laws. Any activity that impairs your ability to drive safely could result in a ticket.

Iowa’s new Hands-Free Driving Law (effective July 1, 2025) bans the use of phones and electronic devices unless they are in a hands-free mode.

Vape devices are not classified as electronic communication devices under current law, so the hands-free law does not directly prohibit vaping while driving. But an officer may ticket you if you appear distracted by operating any device—including a vape—while driving.

The law is being strictly enforced, with an initial warning period through December 31, 2025. Fines begin January 1, 2026.

It is illegal to vape or smoke in a vehicle when a foster child is present.

While Iowa has no explicit, statewide ban on vaping in a car with other minors, doing so is strongly discouraged by health authorities, and you could face legal consequences, especially if endangering a child’s health.

Vaping marijuana while driving is strictly illegal in all circumstances, as recreational marijuana remains illegal. Law enforcement can charge you with Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) if any detectable amount of marijuana is present in your system, regardless of impairment.

Smoking and vaping are banned in state and local government vehicles and certain commercial vehicles—such as those used for food delivery or public transportation.

Always obey posted signage and facility policies. Local cities or businesses may have stricter rules than state law.

It is illegal to throw vape pods, cigarettes, or related waste from your vehicle window—this is considered littering and is subject to fines.