No, vaping indoors in Montana is prohibited under the Montana Clean Indoor Air Act, which classifies e-cigarettes as tobacco products. Local jurisdictions like Missoula and Bozeman have enacted stricter ordinances, banning vaping in all enclosed public spaces, including bars and restaurants. A 2026 compliance update by the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS) further clarifies that workplace vaping is now treated identically to smoking.
Key Regulations for Vaping Indoors in Montana
- Statewide Ban: The Montana Clean Indoor Air Act (MCA 50-40-101) prohibits vaping in all enclosed public places, workplaces, and government buildings, aligning with federal tobacco regulations.
- Local Ordinances: Cities such as Missoula (Ordinance 4585) and Bozeman (Chapter 18.12) enforce stricter bans, extending restrictions to outdoor patios of restaurants and bars where smoking is permitted.
- Workplace Exceptions: DPHHS’s 2026 guidance explicitly states that employers must treat vaping identically to smoking, requiring designated outdoor vaping areas at least 25 feet from entrances.
Violations of these regulations may result in fines up to $500 for businesses and $100 for individuals, per MCA 50-40-121. The DPHHS enforces compliance through unannounced inspections, with a focus on hospitality and retail sectors. Employers must display “No Vaping” signage as mandated by MCA 50-40-111.