No. Vaping in a car with children under 18 is illegal in England, Scotland, and Wales under the Children and Families Act 2015 and the Health (Tobacco, Nicotine etc. and Care) (Scotland) Act 2016. The ban targets smoking and vaping to protect minors from second-hand exposure, with enforcement by local authorities and Trading Standards. Non-compliance risks fines up to £100.
Key Regulations for Vaping in a Car with Kids in United Kingdom
- Prohibition on Smoking/Vaping in Private Vehicles with Minors: Section 9 of the Children and Families Act 2015 criminalises smoking or vaping in a private vehicle where a child under 18 is present, regardless of whether the vehicle is moving or stationary. The law applies to all enclosed vehicles, including cars and vans.
- Enforcement by Local Authorities: Trading Standards officers and police can issue £50 fixed penalty notices for violations, escalating to £100 if unpaid. Local councils in England and Wales, and local authorities in Scotland, conduct targeted awareness campaigns alongside enforcement.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The UK’s 2024 Tobacco and Vapes Bill introduces stricter age verification for vape sales and expanded public health messaging, reinforcing the 2015/2016 restrictions. From 2026, local authorities may integrate vape-specific enforcement into broader tobacco control strategies.