No, Kentucky law prohibits vaping in a vehicle with a child under 12, effective July 2024 under SB 110, with penalties up to $250 for violations. Local health departments, including Louisville Metro, enforce compliance alongside state agencies like the Kentucky Department for Public Health.
Key Regulations for Vaping in a Car with Kids in Kentucky
- Age Restriction: SB 110 explicitly bans vaping in any vehicle when a child under 12 is present, regardless of whether the child is the driver’s or a passenger’s.
- Enforcement Authority: Local health departments and law enforcement may issue citations, with fines escalating for repeat offenses under KRS 211.990.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: Starting January 1, 2026, vehicles found in violation may face mandatory child endangerment education programs in addition to fines.
Violations are treated as primary offenses, meaning law enforcement can stop a vehicle solely for this infraction. Kentucky’s approach aligns with broader public health initiatives targeting secondhand aerosol exposure in confined spaces.