In Hawaii, as of 2025, it is not explicitly illegal to vape while driving alone or with other adults in the vehicle. There is no specific state statute that directly prohibits the act of vaping or smoking a nicotine product while operating a motor vehicle. However, Hawaii takes distracted driving seriously, and any activity—including vaping—that diverts a driver’s attention from the road can potentially lead to a citation under Hawaii’s inattentive or distracted driving laws.
The law recognizes that vaping while driving may cause manual, visual, and cognitive distractions, such as taking your hands off the wheel to operate the vape device, looking away from the road, or being mentally focused on the act of vaping rather than driving. If an officer observes you driving unsafely and attributes the unsafe driving to vaping, you can be cited for distracted or careless driving, which carries fines typically starting around $250-$300 for a first offense and can increase for repeat violations or if the offense occurs in sensitive areas like school or construction zones.
There is a stricter rule when it comes to vaping or smoking in a vehicle with a minor under 18 years old present. Hawaii has a statewide law that makes it illegal to vape or smoke any tobacco or electronic smoking product in a motor vehicle when a person under the age of 18 is present. This law aims to protect minors from secondhand smoke and aerosol exposure and carries fines from $100 for a first offense, up to $500 for multiple offenses within one year.
Furthermore, vaping or smoking cannabis while driving is strictly prohibited in Hawaii, with zero tolerance for driving under the influence of intoxicants. Doing so can lead to serious charges including arrest, license suspension, fines, and potential jail time.
In summary, adults vaping nicotine products while driving alone or with other adults in Hawaii are not directly prohibited by law, but safety rules against distracted driving apply. Vaping or smoking with minors in the vehicle is illegal, as is consuming cannabis while driving. Drivers are advised to prioritize road safety by avoiding vaping while operating a vehicle or to wait until they have stopped in a safe location to use their vape devices to remain on the right side of the law in Hawaii.
