Vaping while driving in Washington is not explicitly illegal, meaning there is no state law that specifically bans vaping and driving for adults. However, you can be charged with distracted driving if vaping interferes with your ability to operate your vehicle safely—for example, if vaping causes you to lose focus, swerve, or ignore traffic signals. Washington’s distracted driving law prohibits any activity that diverts attention from driving, and the law specifically empowers officers to cite drivers if vaping compromises their road safety.
If you are caught vaping and driving in a way that is considered distracting, you could face penalties such as a $136 fine for a first offense, with higher penalties for repeat violations. If your vaping is determined to be reckless or leads to an accident, you could face more serious charges like reckless or negligent driving.
Importantly, it is strictly illegal to vape cannabis or drive under the influence of THC in Washington, regardless of the form—inhaling marijuana vapor while driving can result in DUI charges with severe legal consequences. In contrast, there is no general ban on vaping nicotine while driving, but all general rules around impairment and distraction still apply.
Washington also restricts vaping in vehicles used to transport children and in some public and workplace settings, but these bans do not generally apply to private vehicles unless minors are present in circumstances specifically prohibited by local ordinances.
Vaping and driving is not specifically banned for adults in Washington, but it can result in legal trouble if it distracts you, impairs your ability to drive, or involves cannabis use.
Sources
[1] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/07/16/is-it-illegal-to-vape-and-drive-in-washington-heres-what-the-law-says/
[2] https://ecigator.com/regulation/vaping-laws-in-washington-state/
[3] https://www.publichealthlawcenter.org/resources/us-e-cigarette-regulations-50-state-review/wa
[4] https://ecigator.com/guide/washington-vaping-driving-laws/
[5] https://lcb.wa.gov/vape/vapor-products-law
