No, vaping in a car with minors in Italy is prohibited under the 2023 Decreto Legge 73/2023, enforced by the Ministero della Salute and Istituto Superiore di Sanità. The law aligns with EU tobacco control directives, treating e-cigarette emissions as hazardous to child passengers. Violations incur fines up to €500, with repeat offenses escalating to vehicle confiscation under 2026 amendments.
Key Regulations for Vaping in a Car with Kids in Italy
- Ban on Vaping with Minors Present: Italian law explicitly forbids using e-cigarettes in enclosed vehicles when children under 18 are aboard, effective since January 2024. The Codice della Strada (Road Code) classifies this as a public health violation, not merely a traffic offense.
- Zero-Tolerance for Emissions: The Decreto Legge 73/2023 mandates that any visible aerosol exhalation near minors constitutes an infraction. Regional health authorities, such as ARPA Lombardia, conduct spot checks in collaboration with traffic police (Polizia Stradale).
- Strict Liability for Drivers: Parents or guardians are held directly accountable, even if another adult is vaping. The 2026 enforcement framework introduces mandatory e-learning courses for offenders, administered by the Ministero dell’Istruzione.