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

Vaping has become an increasingly popular alternative to smoking in recent years, leading many to wonder about the legalities of using electronic cigarettes while driving. In Kentucky, where vaping regulations have seen updates and changes, understanding the laws surrounding vaping and driving is important for both residents and visitors.

Current Vaping Laws in Kentucky

Kentucky’s vaping laws primarily focus on restricting sales to minors and controlling usage in public places. As of 2025, Kentucky prohibits the sale of vape products to anyone under the age of 21 and restricts vaping in many indoor public places and state-owned properties, including government buildings, state parks, and school properties.

There is no explicit statewide law that specifically bans vaping while driving. However, various local jurisdictions may have their own restrictions, and the general principle of safe and attentive driving still applies.

Vaping While Driving: Legal Considerations

While Kentucky does not explicitly prohibit vaping behind the wheel, drivers must adhere to laws regarding distracted driving. Vaping may contribute to distracted driving if it impairs the driver’s attention or ability to operate the vehicle safely.

Law enforcement officers could pull over drivers if they observe vaping to be distracting or dangerous during operation of the vehicle. In such cases, the driver might face penalties under existing distracted or reckless driving statutes, though vaping itself is not independently illegal while driving.

New Regulations and House Bill 11

Starting January 1, 2025, Kentucky implemented House Bill 11, targeting vaping product sales rather than usage. This bill restricts the sale of vaping products to those approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is aimed at protecting public health by restricting unregulated or flavored vape products—primarily focusing on reducing youth access.

The law does not directly address vaping while driving, but it restricts the availability of vaping products overall.

Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Zones

Kentucky’s Clean Indoor Air Act has not yet been amended to cover vaping in the same way as traditional smoking. However, vaping is banned in specific places including state government-owned buildings, state parks, school properties, and certain court facilities.

Municipalities such as Lexington, Louisville, and other counties have passed their own ordinances limiting vaping indoors or in certain public areas, but these do not typically apply to private vehicles unless specific impaired or distracted driving laws are invoked.

Practical Advice for Vaping Drivers

Given the legal landscape:

In Kentucky, vaping while driving is not directly prohibited by legislation as of 2025. However, vaping is heavily regulated in terms of sales, especially to minors, and is banned in many indoor and public places. While vaping behind the wheel is not specifically illegal, drivers must always prioritize safety and avoid negligent or distracted driving behaviors, which may include managing vaping devices.

If you vape and drive in Kentucky, it is wise to minimize distractions and remain compliant with general traffic safety laws to avoid potential penalties linked to impaired driving.

As laws evolve—particularly those related to vaping products—Kentucky residents and visitors should stay informed about any new regulations affecting both vaping and driving.

Sources

[1] https://www.publichealthlawcenter.org/resources/us-e-cigarette-regulations-50-state-review/ky
[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQRPQLt6zAM
[3] https://casaa.org/get-involved/state-locator/kentucky/
[4] https://z93country.com/archives/467565/local-news/
[5] https://www.lpm.org/news/2024-07-15/a-dozen-new-laws-to-know-in-kentucky