In Tennessee, there is no statewide law that specifically prohibits vaping while driving—as long as you’re not violating other laws (e.g., distracted driving, impaired driving, or smoking in a vehicle with a child present). While vaping isn’t explicitly banned, it can fall under other vehicle-safety regulations.
Tobacco-Free Vehicle Law: Vaping With Children
Tennessee Senate Bill 301, introduced in the 2019–2020 legislative session, aimed to prohibit smoking or vaping in a motor vehicle when a child is secured in a child safety seat or required to be. This bill failed to pass. Therefore:
- It’s not illegal statewide to vape while driving—even with a child in the car.
- Smoking or vaping while driving is only illegal if the vehicle is state-owned or by local ordinance (none currently ban vaping in private vehicles generally).
Distracted Driving Laws: Could Vaping Qualify?
Tennessee enforces distracted‑driving statutes that ban the use of handheld devices that immediately interfere with safe vehicle operation. Although vaping isn’t explicitly listed, a law enforcement officer might interpret:
- Vaping with one hand as a violation if it impairs steering or control.
- Culled visibility, such as blowing clouds that obscure your windshield, could fall under unsafe driving behaviors.
In practice, vaping while driving can attract attention if officers deem it a distraction—even with no direct law against vaping itself.
DUI Laws: Vaping THC?
Tennessee prohibits driving under the influence of intoxicants, including THC, cannabis oils, and other impairing substances. Many vaping devices contain various cannabinoids. If you’re vaping THC or similar products, you could be:
- Charged with DUI or DUID (impaired driving).
- Subject to field sobriety tests, chemical testing, and legal consequences as per DUI statutes.
Public Smoking Bans vs. Personal Vehicles
The state’s Non‑Smoker Protection Act bans smoking in most enclosed public places—but with exemptions for:
- Private vehicles (unless transporting children or owned by the state).
As vaping is considered a form of “smoking” in this context, you’re permitted to vape in your own car under current statutes, especially if windows are open and safety isn’t compromised.
Local and Municipal Rules
While Tennessee’s state law doesn’t ban vaping in vehicles, municipalities may choose to enact local ordinances—including:
- Prohibitions on vaping in parks or public buildings
- Regulations on child safety that supersede state laws
Before vaping in your car, it’s wise to be aware of local rules—especially when parking in public areas or driving through jurisdictions with stricter regulations.
Practical Advice for Vapers on the Road
- Avoid distractions: Hold the device safely, keep both hands available for driving, and ensure vaping doesn’t obstruct your view.
- Keep it to yourself: Don’t share vaping devices while driving—that could increase distraction.
- Windows down: This reduces interior vapor buildup and enhances air circulation and visibility.
- Leave flavored/THC vapes at home: TN has been tightening vape product regulations (e.g., Senate Bill 763), so vaping illicit or regulated substances could land you in greater legal trouble.
Tennessee’s Evolving Vape Regulations
Recent legislation like SB 763, still under debate as of June 2025, doesn’t focus on vaping while driving. Instead, it targets:
- Retail restrictions: limiting which products vape shops can sell.
- Licensing & registry: aimed at reducing youth vaping—not enhancing vehicular safety laws.
No current proposals extend this to banning vaping behind the wheel without children present.
Summary Table: Is Vaping While Driving Legal in Tennessee?
| Scenario | Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Vaping while driving alone (nicotine only) | Legal (no explicit ban) |
| Vaping with a child in the car | Legal (no specific prohibition) |
| Vaping THC/cannabis vapes while driving | Illegal (DUI / DUID risk) |
| Vaping causing distraction or impaired view | Officer may deem unsafe, optional enforcement |
Tips for Staying Within the Law
- Stay informed: Watch upcoming bills via the Tennessee Legislature—new proposals could change the landscape.
- Practice safe vaping: Use both hands, roll down windows, and keep clouds away from the windshield.
- Store responsibly: If using THC or regulated cannabinoids, leave them out of the vehicle to avoid legal exposure.
- Consider local rules: Especially in cities like Nashville, Memphis, or Chattanooga—courts may interpret public safety laws more broadly.
Final Thoughts
As of mid‑2025, Tennessee does not ban vaping while driving unless you’re vaping controlled substances like THC or causing unsafe driving conditions. The only vehicle‑specific regulation under discussion targets vaping with children in the car—but that bill has not passed. Still, broader vaping restrictions are gaining momentum—so staying informed and vaping responsibly on the road is key.