No, vaping with minors in a vehicle is prohibited under Germany’s Nichtraucherschutzgesetz (Non-Smokers Protection Act), which was expanded in 2024 to include e-cigarettes. Violations risk fines up to €3,000 for drivers, enforced by local Ordnungsämter (regulatory authorities). The 2026 EU Tobacco Products Directive revision may further tighten these rules.
Key Regulations for Vaping in a Car with Kids in Germany
- Prohibition in enclosed spaces with minors: §3 Abs. 2 NiSchG explicitly bans smoking or vaping in cars when passengers under 18 are present, regardless of window openness.
- Driver liability: The adult operating the vehicle bears full responsibility, with no exceptions for private property or short trips.
- Enforcement and penalties: Local Ordnungsämter issue fines directly, while Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) may log repeat offenses, potentially affecting insurance premiums.
Local municipalities like Berlin and Bavaria have intensified spot checks near schools, leveraging Bußgeldkataloge (fine catalogs) to deter violations. Employers operating company cars must enforce stricter policies to avoid corporate liability under occupational safety directives (ArbSchG).