No, Illinois law prohibits vaping in a vehicle with a child under 18, effective January 1, 2024, under Public Act 103-0590. The statute aligns with the Illinois Department of Public Health’s 2023 guidance on secondhand aerosol exposure risks. Violations may result in fines up to $100 for first offenses, escalating to $250 for repeat infractions. Local municipalities, including Chicago, enforce stricter ordinances, with potential additional penalties.
Key Regulations for Vaping in a Car with Kids in Illinois
- Ban on Vaping with Minors Present: 625 ILCS 5/12-6.1 prohibits using electronic cigarettes in a vehicle occupied by a child under 18, regardless of window position.
- Local Enforcement Variations: Chicago’s Municipal Code § 7-24-030 imposes a $200 fine for violations, independent of state penalties.
- 2026 Compliance Deadline: The Illinois EPA’s 2025 regulatory framework mandates signage in childcare facilities and vehicles, reinforcing enforcement by 2026.