Can You Legally Vape While Driving in the UK?

September 26, 2025

Is it illegal to vape while driving in the UK? Discover 2025 laws, fines, penalties, risks, and safety tips, including vaping in a car with children.

Can You Legally Vape While Driving in the UK?

Vaping in the UK is one of the most popular alternatives to smoking; however, vaping in the car is not exactly that simple. Many drivers ask: "Is it illegal to vape while driving in the UK?" or "Can I get fined for vaping in the car?"

We are going to break down the UK vaping during driving legislation, the dangers of the behavior, the fines you are likely to receive, and how to have a good time vaping without making the process unsafe to yourself and other people.

Is It Illegal to Vape While Driving in the UK?

No, vaping while driving is not illegal in the UK.
But the fact that there is no direct law disallowing it does not mean that you are entirely out of line. The police can prosecute you according to the current driving law in case vaping causes you to lose focus and or blur your sight, and you cannot control the car.

When Could Vaping Behind the Wheel Get You Penalized?

You could be fined or face penalty points if:

Clouds block your view of the road, mirrors, or windscreen.
You lose control by steering with one hand while vaping.
Vaping distracts you from traffic signals or surrounding vehicles.
It leads to careless driving or causes a collision.

Is Vaping Considered Distracted Driving in the UK?

Yes. The police and road safety experts categorize vaping as a potential distraction just like eating, drinking, or changing a satnav when driving.

As per driving rules in the United Kingdom, a driver should be in full control of their vehicle at all times. When the act of vaping distracts you, even as briefly as that, it can be considered distracted driving.

How vaping related to distracted driving

UK Driving Laws That Apply to Vaping

While no law mentions vaping specifically, it falls under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Two sections are particularly relevant:

Section 2 - Dangerous Driving
Driving in such a manner that poses a clear danger to other people. Scenario: loss of control due to heavy clouds of vapes.

Section 3 - Careless and Inconsiderate Driving
Driving a car without due caution, like adjusting your vape or filling up when you are driving.

What Are the Penalties for Vaping While Driving?

If you are caught vaping while driving carelessly, you could face:

Fine + Penalty Points
Driving ban if your offence causes an accident

Is It Legal to Vape With Children in the Car?

Many people get confused by it.

Smoking in a car with passengers below 18 years has been prohibited in the UK since 2015.

Vaping, in cars with children, however, remains legal.

Health experts (such as the NHS) highly discourage people from vaping around children in closed areas because of the exposure to secondhand vapours.

Can Taxi or Uber Drivers Vape in the UK?

No. Both smoking and vaping in taxis and in private hire vehicles are prohibited by Transport for London (TFL) and other licensing authorities. This is for both drivers and passengers.

The drivers who are vaping as professionals will face a fine, disapproving passengers, or even loss of license.

Can Taxi or Uber Drivers Vape in the UK?

What Are the Risks of Vaping While Driving?

Visual obstruction: clouds block your line of sight.
Distraction: adjusting settings, refilling e-liquid, or taking your eyes off the road.
Battery malfunctions: although rare, overheated devices could cause panic.

How to Vape Safely If You Must While Driving

If you really want to vape on the road, here are some safety tips:

Use a low-power pod kit (less vapour will be produced).
Pre-fill and charge your vape before the journey.
Stick to prefilled pods or disposables to avoid refilling.
Open a window for ventilation.
Only take a puff when the car is stationary, not in motion.

Best Vape Devices for the Car (UK Edition)

If you are in search of vape kits that are suitable for use in vehicles, consider:

Vaporesso XROS Mini - compact, auto-draw, no fiddly buttons.
Lost Mary BM6000 - prefilled, minimal maintenance, great for road trips.
Elf Bar 600 - ultra-portable, no setup needed.

Summary

Should people be allowed to vape when driving in the UK?

Indeed, it is permissible, provided that the control of the vehicle remains intact.
Using a vape that blocks your visibility or distracts your focus could result in fines, penalty points, or possibly a suspension of your driving privileges.
Taxi and Uber drivers are prohibited from vaping while transporting passengers.
While it is legal to vape in a vehicle with children, but not recommended for health reasons.

For safe practice, always prepare your vape before driving and stick to simple, low-powered devices. Remember: Safety on the road comes first.