There is no specific statewide law in Pennsylvania that makes it illegal to vape while driving a car. As of April 2025, drivers are not explicitly prohibited from using electronic cigarettes or vaping devices while operating a vehicle.
Pennsylvania’s Clean Indoor Air Act and statewide smoking bans do not extend to vaping in private vehicles.
Distracted Driving Law: Paul Miller’s Law (Effective June 5, 2025)
- Paul Miller’s Law bans the use of hand-held “interactive mobile devices” (IMDs) while driving, effective June 5, 2025.
- The law defines an IMD as a device capable of voice communication, texting, emailing, browsing, or similar functions—such as smartphones, tablets, and certain electronics.
- Vaping devices are not specifically mentioned in the law. However, if a vape device has interactive features (such as a touchscreen, Bluetooth, or requires significant manipulation similar to a phone), it could potentially be interpreted as an IMD under the law.
- If police observe you using a hand-held device that resembles an IMD while driving, you could be stopped and cited under the new distracted driving law.
Local Ordinances
- Some municipalities, such as Philadelphia, have local bans on vaping wherever smoking is prohibited, but these generally apply to public spaces, not private vehicles.
- Local distracted driving or public health ordinances may apply in certain areas, so always check local rules if you’re unsure.
Vaping Marijuana While Driving
- It is illegal to vape (or smoke) marijuana while driving in Pennsylvania, regardless of whether you have a medical marijuana card.
- Driving under the influence of marijuana, or with marijuana metabolites in your system, is a criminal offense.
Summary Table: Vaping and Driving in Pennsylvania
| Situation | Is It Illegal? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vaping nicotine while driving | No (statewide) | No explicit ban, but new distracted driving law may apply to some devices |
| Vaping marijuana while driving | Yes | Illegal under DUI and drug laws |
| Using a vape device as an IMD | Possibly (from June 2025) | If the device functions like a phone or requires significant handling |
| Vaping in local public spaces | Sometimes | Depends on local ordinances; usually not in private vehicles |
Vaping nicotine while driving is not specifically illegal in Pennsylvania, but starting June 5, 2025, using a vape device that functions as a hand-held electronic device could result in a distracted driving citation. Vaping marijuana while driving is always illegal. For safety and legal reasons, avoid any activity that distracts from driving.
Sources:
- https://ecigator.com/guide/vaping-while-driving-in-pennsylvania/
- https://www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/traveling-in-pa/safety/traffic-safety-driver-topics/distracted-driving.html
- https://tobaccowatcher.globaltobaccocontrol.org/articles/c6abe383-00d9-3550-99f9-2e6fad1be3b3/
- https://gambonelaw.com/supreme-court-hears-on-manufacturers-denied-fda-application-for-flavored-vapes-what-parents-need-to-know-about-vaping-in-new-jersey-and-pennsylvania/
- https://www.callmikewinters.com/blog/2022/04/medical-marijuana-card-it-still-is-illegal-in-pennsylvania-to-smoke-or-vape-marijuana-while-driving/