Vaping while driving in Idaho is not specifically prohibited under the state’s distracted driving laws, but there are important restrictions and possible consequences to consider:
- Distracted Driving Laws: Idaho’s distracted driving laws primarily target the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. As of recent years, Idaho bans drivers from holding cell phones while driving and requires hands-free use. However, vaping itself is not explicitly mentioned as a prohibited activity in the context of distracted driving.
- Inattentive Driving: Idaho has an inattentive driving law that applies more broadly. If vaping (or any other activity) causes you to drive “in a manner that is inattentive, careless or imprudent,” you could be cited for inattentive driving, which carries fines up to $300 and possibly up to 90 days in jail.
- Vaping with Minors Present: Idaho law (specifically, Idaho Code 49-675) prohibits smoking or vaping in a motor vehicle if a person under 18 is present. Enforcement of this law is only as a secondary action—meaning you must already be stopped for another violation—and the penalty is a $75 fine (no points on your license). Some proposed bills have suggested even stricter penalties or broader enforcement, but as of now, this is the main law regarding vaping in vehicles.
Table
| Scenario | Legality in Idaho | Penalty/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vaping while driving (alone) | Legal, unless inattentive | Inattentive driving fines up to $300/jail |
| Vaping while driving with minor | Illegal | $75 fine (secondary offense), no points |
| Texting/holding phone while driving | Illegal | $85 fine (varies by city for hands-free laws) |
Key Takeaway:
Vaping while driving is legal in Idaho unless it causes you to drive inattentively or if a minor is present in the vehicle. If a minor is present, vaping in the car is prohibited and can result in a fine if you are stopped for another violation. Your interest in driving regulations and drug use is reflected here.
Sources
[1] https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sessioninfo/2020/legislation/H0437.pdf
[2] https://idahofreedom.org/senate-bill-1162-smoking-in-cars-with-minors/
[3] https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2020-07-06/consumer/idahos-new-distracted-driving-law-how-effective-are-these-measures/a70746-1
[4] https://idahofreedom.org/house-bill-280-vaping-in-a-vehicle/
[5] https://www.trustedchoice.com/distracted-driving/idaho-laws/
