In Kentucky, there is no specific law that explicitly makes vaping while driving illegal. However, vaping is regulated in various contexts, particularly regarding where it can be used and who can purchase vaping products.
Vaping and Driving in Kentucky: Legal Status
- Kentucky law does not specifically prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes or vaping devices while driving. Unlike laws against texting or using handheld phones, vaping while driving is not expressly banned under current state statutes or regulations.
- However, vaping is prohibited on certain state properties and vehicles owned, leased, or contracted for state use, which could include state vehicles but does not extend to private vehicles or general driving situations.
Related Regulations on Vaping in Kentucky
- The sale and distribution of vapor products to persons under 21 years old is prohibited, and possession/use by minors is also banned.
- Vaping is banned in many public places such as school properties and vehicles, courtrooms, health care facilities, state parks, and other government-owned properties.
- New legislation effective from January 1, 2025, restricts the sale of vaping products to only FDA-approved products, limiting the availability of flavored and non-approved vape products.
- Retailers face increasing regulation, including potential licensing requirements and stricter penalties for sales to minors, though these do not relate directly to vaping while driving.
Summary
- While vaping is heavily regulated in Kentucky regarding sales, youth access, and public use, there is no explicit law that makes it illegal to vape while driving.
- Drivers should be cautious, as distracted driving laws could potentially be applied if vaping is deemed to interfere with safe vehicle operation, but no specific vaping ban in vehicles exists.
- Vaping is banned in state vehicles and government property vehicles, but this does not extend to private vehicles.
Thus, vaping and driving in Kentucky is not illegal per se, but vaping is restricted in many other public and government-controlled settings.
Sources:
- https://www.publichealthlawcenter.org/resources/us-e-cigarette-regulations-50-state-review/ky
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQRPQLt6zAM
- https://casaa.org/get-involved/state-locator/kentucky/
- https://transportation.ky.gov/HighwaySafety/Documents/Distracted.pdf