With vaping becoming increasingly popular, many drivers in Indiana wonder whether it’s legal to vape behind the wheel. Some think it’s harmless since it’s not the same as smoking cigarettes, while others believe it could be treated like texting or drinking while driving. To clear up the confusion, here’s what Indiana law actually says.
No Specific Ban on Vaping While Driving
In Indiana, there is currently no law that specifically bans vaping while driving. This means that if you’re an adult and you’re vaping a legal substance, simply using your vape in the car is not automatically illegal.
However, this doesn’t mean you can vape in any situation without consequences. Your driving behaviour and what you are vaping play a huge role in whether it could become a legal problem.
When Vaping Could Become Illegal
Even though there’s no outright ban, vaping while driving in Indiana can still lead to trouble if it affects your ability to drive safely.
Under Indiana’s traffic safety laws, you can be cited for distracted driving if vaping causes you to lose focus on the road—such as taking your hands off the wheel too long, creating large clouds that block your view, or fumbling with your device while driving.
If you’re vaping anything that contains marijuana (including THC vape products), it is illegal to use or possess it while driving in Indiana, since marijuana is not legal for recreational use in the state. Being caught with THC in your system could result in OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) charges.
Special Rules for Underage Drivers
Indiana also has strict laws against vaping or possessing vape products for people under 21. If you’re under the legal age and caught vaping while driving, you could face fines, licence suspension, and mandatory education programs.
Vaping Around Children in the Car
While Indiana doesn’t yet have a statewide law banning vaping in a car with children, some lawmakers have proposed similar measures in recent years. It’s also worth noting that smoking in vehicles with minors is illegal in several other states, and vaping could eventually fall under similar restrictions in Indiana.
Even without a law, exposing children to second-hand vape aerosol is considered harmful and could lead to additional scrutiny from authorities in certain situations.
Safety Concerns and Good Practices
Vaping may not carry the same legal weight as drinking alcohol or texting while driving, but it can still distract you and put you at risk. Large vapour clouds can momentarily block visibility, and handling a vape device takes attention away from the road.
The safest option is to avoid vaping while driving, or at least wait until you’re parked to adjust your device or take a long puff.
In Indiana, vaping while driving is not directly illegal unless it’s connected to distracted driving, illegal substances, or underage use. However, police can still issue citations if your vaping causes unsafe driving behaviour.
To stay on the right side of the law and keep everyone safe, it’s best to vape only when your car is stopped and you’re not handling anything that could impair your driving.
