No, vaping in a car with minors in Saudi Arabia violates the Anti-Smoking Law (Royal Decree M/56, 2015) and its 2023 amendments, which explicitly prohibit smoking or vaping in enclosed spaces with children. The National Committee for Tobacco Control (NCTC) enforces penalties, including fines up to SAR 100,000 for repeat offenses, with stricter scrutiny under the 2026 National Health Strategy’s tobacco-free environment goals.
Key Regulations for Vaping in a Car with Kids in Saudi Arabia
- Enclosed Space Ban: The Anti-Smoking Law classifies vehicles as enclosed spaces when occupied by minors, triggering prohibitions under Article 3(2), which bans all tobacco and nicotine product use.
- Minor Protection Clause: The NCTC’s 2023 guidelines mandate zero tolerance for vaping near children, citing WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) alignment to reduce secondhand aerosol exposure.
- Penalties and Enforcement: Violations incur fines of SAR 1,000–100,000, with vehicle owners liable if minors are present. Traffic police and health inspectors conduct random checks under the 2026 Public Health Protection Regulation.
Local courts have upheld these restrictions, including a 2024 Riyadh ruling where a driver was fined SAR 5,000 for vaping with a child in the car. The NCTC’s 2025 public awareness campaigns further emphasize compliance, particularly in high-risk areas like schools and residential zones.