Vaping while driving in New Hampshire is not explicitly illegal for adults (21 and over) as of 2025. There is no specific state law that bans vaping while operating a vehicle. However, vaping can be considered part of distracted driving if it impairs the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely. Actions such as reaching for, handling, or refilling a vape device or being surrounded by thick vapor clouds may lead to citations for distracted or careless driving. Penalties for distracted driving can be severe, including fines up to $2,500 or jail time for repeat offenses.
New Hampshire has a hands-free law banning the use of handheld electronic devices for communication or data entry while driving, but vape devices are not classified as communication devices under this law. This means the hands-free restrictions do not apply to vaping, but safe driving rules for distraction still do.
For individuals under 21, it is illegal to possess or use vaping products anywhere, including in vehicles. A bill proposed in 2024 to ban smoking or vaping in vehicles with passengers under 16 did not pass, so no law currently prohibits adults from vaping in cars with minors, though public health advice discourages it.
While adults can legally vape while driving in New Hampshire, they must ensure vaping does not distract them from safely controlling their vehicle, or they risk distracted driving citations. Underage vaping or possession remains illegal at all times.
Sources
(https://ecigator.com/web-stories/ew-hampshire-vaping-driving-laws/)
(https://ecigator.com/guide/ew-hampshire-vaping-driving-laws/)
(https://legiscan.com/NH/text/HB1244/id/2868251)
(https://www.cdc.gov/statesystem/factsheets/ecigarette/ECigarette.html)
(https://www.publichealthlawcenter.org/resources/us-e-cigarette-regulations-50-state-review/nh)
