Motoring News
Vaping in cars with children could be banned
UK government plans to protect kids from second-hand smoking and vaping
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 17/02/2026
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 17/02/2026
The UK government has announced plans to ban vaping in cars carrying children. The plan, subject to a 12-week public consultation (ending 8 May, 2026) falls under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which the government claims will ‘create a smoke-free generation and protect young people from a lifetime of addiction’.
If the plan is approved, it will take up to six months to implement and be part of a government crackdown on the harms from second-hand smoke.
The Department of Health is looking to extend the number of smoke- and vape-free places - including in cars - to protect children and vulnerable people from the risk of heart disease, lung cancer and asthma.
Vaping while driving is not currently illegal - but could be classed as a driving offence if you were to lose control of the vehicle, be distracted or have your view obstructed due to the vape.
Smoking cigarettes in a private car with under-18s has been illegal since 2015, and the new legislation aims to treat e-cigarettes the same as these traditional cigarettes - with similar penalties.
Offence | Potential penalty |
Driving without due care | £100 fine |
Obstructed vision (due to vape clouds) | 3 to 9 points, a fixed penalty notice and fines ranging from £1,000 (obstructed vision) to £2,500 (vehicle in dangerous condition) |
Vaping in a car with children (under 18) | Likely to reflect the current fixed penalty of £50 for smoking in a car with children |
In addition to perhaps being uncomfortable for passengers, vaping while driving can cause a distraction as the ‘clouds’ can obstruct your view of the road or mirrors.
Some drivers may be tempted to refill, charge or change pods on their vaping device while they are driving. This again can cause a serious distraction and put the driver and other road users in danger.
ITV News reports that The NHS Website says there is ‘no evidence so far’ that vaping causes harm to people around you but a study from the University College London in 2024 found there was a ‘very low risk’ to children from second-hand vaping.
Although children exposed to second-hand vapour indoors absorbed 85% less nicotine to those explosed to second-hand smoke, it’s worth bearing in mind electronic cigarette vapour often still contains nicotine and other chemicals that can be harmful to developing lungs.
In addition to banning vaping inside cars with kids, the proposals also aim to prevent smoking, vaping or using heated tobacco in the following areas:
Caroline Cerny, campaign charity Action on Smoking and Health’s deputy chief executive, told the Guardian: “This consultation, and the wider legislation it is part of, is focused on protecting children. Although exposure to secondhand vapour is significantly less harmful than secondhand smoke, it is reasonable to consider whether steps should be taken to minimise any potential risk – particularly in small, enclosed spaces such as cars where children are present.
“A balance needs to be struck in these regulations between protecting children and ensuring adults who smoke are still supported to switch to vapes. The consultation process should help the government strike that balance.”
https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/news/motoring-news/vaping-in-cars-with-children-could-be-banned/
https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/know-how/vaping-in-a-car-is-it-illegal/
https://news.sky.com/story/vaping-in-cars-with-children-to-be-banned-under-new-plans-13506993
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy61zlg10vo
https://metro.co.uk/2026/02/13/drivers-banned-vaping-cars-children-26872241/
https://www.itv.com/news/2026-02-13/is-there-a-health-risk-from-secondhand-vaping
Yes, you can vape on a solo trip - provided it doesn't cause a distraction or obstruct your view.
You will not be able to vape in a car with children under the potential new legislation. The ban on vaping will apply to the enclosed space, regardless of windows.
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