Motorists could be fined up to £5,000 for vaping while behind the wheel, according to a legal expert. Markus Lindblad, head of legal and external affairs at Northerner, said there is no specific UK driving law that makes it illegal to vape in a car, but drivers still have a responsibility to ensure vaping does not affect their ability to drive or distract them from the road.
Vaping can create visibility issues
Vaping can produce large clouds of vapour, which could backfire on road users in a tightly packed car. The smoke could temporarily blind drivers, potentially diverting their attention away from the road. Under these circumstances, motorists could be found to be driving without due care and attention, which carries a hefty financial penalty.
Lindblad said: “If a passenger's vaping distracts you from driving or creates enough vapour to significantly affect your visibility, you could face action for driving without due care and attention. A careless driving offence can result in a £100 fixed penalty and three points on your licence, or a fine up to £5,000 and up to nine points if taken to court.”
Government proposals on vaping in vehicles
Earlier this year, the Labour Government suggested that vaping could soon be banned in certain vehicles as part of a crackdown. Officials said they were looking into banning vaping in cars carrying children, similar to the smoking ban that came into effect in 2015.
Lindblad added: “Whilst vaping doesn’t come under the same legislation, the Government has proposed extending similar restrictions to vaping in vehicles carrying children, as well as in work vehicles used by more than one person, as part of wider measures aimed at protecting young people from exposure to vaping.”
Safer alternatives for drivers
Lindblad stressed that motorists who need to vape on a journey would be better off stopping their vehicle and taking a proper break. Puffing a vape at a motorway service station is likely to be much safer and can help prevent road users from taking any chances.
He added: “Drivers and passengers who want to vape during a journey should plan accordingly and wait until they have stopped in a safe and suitable location. For those looking for an alternative while travelling, nicotine pouches, commonly known as snus, can be used discreetly without causing distractions or disturbing your passengers.”
