In Utah in 2025, it is not outright illegal for an adult 21 or over to vape or smoke nicotine products while driving their own private vehicle, as long as no children aged 15 or younger are present. Utah Code Ann. § 41-6a-1717 explicitly prohibits smoking or vaping (including e-cigarettes) in a motor vehicle if a child passenger aged 15 or younger is present. This law applies to both drivers and passengers and is designed to protect minors from secondhand smoke and aerosol exposure. It is a secondary offense, meaning police cannot pull you over just for this violation but can issue a citation if stopped for another reason. The penalty is a fine up to $45, which may be suspended if the offender enrolls in a smoking cessation program.
For adult drivers vaping or smoking alone or with other adults, there is no specific statewide ban, but any vaping or smoking that distracts the driver and impairs safe vehicle operation may lead to a citation under Utah’s general careless driving laws. Careless driving can be cited if an officer believes handling a vape or lighting a cigarette causes unsafe driving. Utah’s distracted driving law mainly focuses on wireless communication devices, but the principle of avoiding distractions applies to any activity behind the wheel.
It is important to distinguish nicotine vaping from marijuana vaping: Utah has a strict zero-tolerance DUI policy prohibiting the use of cannabis products while driving, including vaping marijuana, regardless of passenger presence.
Vaping nicotine while driving in Utah is legal for adults without children in the vehicle but illegal when children 15 or younger are passengers. Any vaping that causes distraction and unsafe driving can prompt a careless driving charge. Vaping marijuana while driving is illegal under DUI laws. The safest approach is to avoid vaping while driving to stay compliant with Utah’s traffic safety standards and protect all occupants.
This reflects current Utah laws as of 2025 and includes provisions to protect children and ensure driver attentiveness.
Sources
[1] https://ecigator.com/guide/utah-vaping-driving-laws/
[2] https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2025-02-20/utahs-flavored-vape-ban-and-lawsuit-could-be-out-the-door-with-new-bill
[3] https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0432.html
[4] https://www.publichealthlawcenter.org/resources/us-e-cigarette-regulations-50-state-review/ut
[5] https://tax.utah.gov/e-cigarette
