In Missouri, vaping has become a popular activity among many people, especially those who are trying to quit smoking. However, if you enjoy vaping and also drive frequently, you might be wondering whether it’s illegal to vape while behind the wheel. After all, some people are concerned about the potential distractions and dangers it could cause on the road. Here’s a closer look at Missouri’s laws and whether vaping while driving is allowed or prohibited.
Missouri’s Laws on Distracted Driving
Missouri law does not specifically address vaping while driving, but it does have regulations about distracted driving. Distracted driving is generally defined as any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the road, such as texting, talking on the phone, or eating. Since vaping involves the use of a device and can distract a driver’s attention, it could fall under these laws, depending on the circumstances.
If vaping distracts you from paying attention to the road or impairs your ability to drive safely, you could be at risk of being pulled over and cited for distracted driving. This would be particularly true if your actions are deemed to have caused you to drive erratically, endanger others, or violate the state’s rules on safe driving.
Vaping as a Potential Distraction
While there’s no specific law banning vaping while driving in Missouri, it’s important to understand that distractions of any kind can be dangerous on the road. The act of vaping requires the use of your hands to hold and operate the device, which can take your attention away from the road, even if just for a moment. Additionally, the cloud of vapor produced could limit your visibility, especially if it’s dense or obstructive. In some cases, this could be seen as a form of distracted driving, even if it’s not as obvious as texting or talking on the phone.
Missouri law enforcement officials may issue a citation for distracted driving if they believe that vaping is contributing to unsafe driving. A driver could potentially face a fine or other consequences if their vaping is found to have caused dangerous driving behavior, such as swerving, failing to signal, or driving too fast.
Can You Vape While Driving in Missouri?
Technically, there is no specific law that outright bans vaping while driving in Missouri. However, if the act of vaping interferes with your ability to drive safely, it could lead to legal trouble under the state’s distracted driving laws. The key issue here is that any activity that distracts you or impairs your ability to drive is considered a violation. This could be true for vaping if it leads to unsafe driving.
In other words, it’s not the act of vaping itself that’s illegal, but rather how it affects your driving. If you’re able to vape without losing focus or control, then you likely wouldn’t face any legal issues. However, if vaping distracts you or leads to erratic driving, you could be pulled over and cited for distracted driving.
What Could Happen If You Vape and Drive?
If you’re caught vaping while driving and it’s deemed that you’re distracted, the consequences can vary. Missouri’s distracted driving laws can lead to fines, points on your driver’s license, or even increased insurance premiums. In more serious cases, if your vaping leads to an accident or endangers others, you could face more severe penalties, including reckless driving charges.
It’s also important to note that there are specific rules for drivers who are under the age of 21. Since vaping products fall under similar regulations as tobacco products, minors are prohibited from purchasing or using vaping devices. If you’re under 21, and you vape and drive, you could face penalties related to both underage vaping and distracted driving.
In Missouri, vaping while driving is not explicitly illegal, but it can become a legal issue if it leads to distracted driving. Since distracted driving is prohibited, any activity—including vaping—that takes your attention away from the road and causes unsafe driving could result in penalties. The key takeaway is that while vaping is not illegal in itself, if it impairs your ability to drive safely, you could face legal consequences. To stay on the safe side, it’s best to avoid distractions, including vaping, when operating a vehicle to ensure both your safety and that of others on the road.
Sources
[1] https://www.dmlawusa.com/blog/hands-free-driving-law-in-missouri/
[2] https://pattersonlegalgroup.com/siddens-bening-hands-fee-law-missouri-2025/
[3] https://gotlawstl.com/missouris-new-siddens-bening-hands-free-law-in-effect-beginning-2025-what-missourians-need-to-know/
[4] https://www.signs.com/blog/vaping-laws-for-all-50-states/
[5] https://mhmlegal.com/the-missouri-hands-free-law-what-is-the-siddens-bening-hands-free-law/
