Vaping has increased in popularity over the last several years. However, there has been a lot of push back from the federal and state government due to safety concerns about e-cigarettes and the growing number of young people who are using these products. If you want to create a smoke-free business or simply wish to know what the laws are in your state, keep reading. This guide has the information you need about no-vaping laws and sign requirements by state.
What is Vaping?
First, you need to understand how government entities qualify vaping. E-cigarettes, also known as vape pens, create vapor which is inhaled by the user. These battery-powered devices are filled with liquid cartridges that contain ingredients like nicotine, flavors, and other artificial chemicals. These pens contain a heating mechanism which turns the liquid into vapor so it can be inhaled.
Vape pens typically contain half the nicotine of traditional cigarettes, but that doesn’t mean they are impervious to health and liability risks. As a business owner, school administrator, or facility manager, it’s important to understand these health and liability considerations. Last year, the CDC confirmed that 60 patients lost their lives to lung injuries associated with e-cigarette use.
You can avoid the risks posed by vape pens by prohibiting them from your business, campus, or facility. No-vaping signs will effectively share these messages with students, customers, and employees.
State V. Federal Considerations
While new vaping laws have been passed recently, there is still a contentious debate over the safety and risks of using these products. State laws vary greatly but you can consult this guide for updates to public health policies by state. Consult your state’s public health department for the most up-to-date information regarding no-vaping laws and signage requirements.
Vaping Laws by State:
Alabama
Emergency room medical providers and daycare workers are expressly prohibited from using vape pens at work. However, vape pens are not considered to be tobacco products. The minimum age to purchase vape pens and products is 19 years old.
Alaska
Vaping must adhere to the same restrictions as smoking bans. These products cannot be used in closed or public spaces nor can they be used in close proximity to children. Vape pens cannot be purchased by anyone younger than 18 years old.
Arizona
Though vapes are not classified under tobacco restrictions, these products cannot be used around children in the foster care system and the legal age to purchase is 18 years old.
Arkansas
Vaping is banned on school campuses or near healthcare facilities and public parks. However, vape pens do not have the same restrictions that tobacco does in the state. The legal age to purchase is 18 years old.
California
California has some of the strictest restrictions on vaping as tobacco in the country. You must be 21 or 18 and an active-duty member of the military to purchase.
Colorado
Vaping is banned around minors in public facilities or daycare and is prohibited at elderly care establishments. It is considered a tobacco product, so the legal age to purchase is 18 years old.
Connecticut
Connecticut has several bans on vaping including restrictions for government, healthcare, and food facilities. It is also banned at hotels and schools. Vape pens are not considered a tobacco product, but you must be 18 to purchase.
Delaware
Vaping is prohibited anywhere smoking is prohibited because it is considered a tobacco product. You must be 18 to buy vape pens in Delaware.
District of Columbia
In D.C., vaping is prohibited everywhere smoking is also prohibited and you must be 21 years old to buy these items.
Florida
Florida bans vaping in closed spaces like cars and in areas where children or the elderly are present. The state does not classify vape pens as tobacco products, but you must be 18 to purchase.
Georgia
In Georgia, vapes cannot be used by foodservice employees with the exception of designated smoking areas. Purchasers are required to be 18 years old.
Hawaii
Hawaii prohibits vaping where smoking is prohibited. It is banned in all parks and all school properties. The minimum age to purchase is 21 years old.
Idaho
In Idaho, sending vape products to anyone under 18 is illegal.
Illinois
Though vaping is not considered to be a tobacco product, it is prohibited at public universities and you must be 18 to purchase.
Indiana
In Indiana, you must be 18 to receive vape products by mail because it is considered to be a tobacco product.
Iowa
Though vapes are not considered tobacco products, they are prohibited in public areas like parks and schools and cannot be used around children in the foster care system. You must be 18 to purchase.
Kansas
These items are banned in juvenile correction facilities and purchasers must be 18 years old.
Kentucky
Vaping is banned from state-owned properties like parks and public buildings. Vapes are not considered tobacco products but you must be 18 to buy.
Louisiana
Vapes are banned on school property but these items are not seen as tobacco products. You must be 18 to buy or have written permission from a parent stating that use is limited to the house.
Maine
Vapes are viewed as tobacco products so they are restricted everywhere smoking is restricted. Purchases must be 21 years of age.
Maryland
Minors cannot purchase these products but state laws do not define clear vaping restrictions.
Massachusetts
Vaping is banned where smoking is banned because it is viewed as a tobacco product. These products can only be used in designated smoking areas and you must be 21 to buy.
Michigan
Age limits and restrictions outside of judicial court are not well defined.
Minnesota
Minnesota bans vaping in childcare and healthcare facilities, government buildings, state-owned campuses, public and charter schools, and facilities licensed by the commissioner of health. The state also banns salon employees from vaping. You must be 18 to purchase vape products in the state.
Mississippi
There are no statewide bans, but you must be 18 to purchase products.
Missouri
There are no statewide bans, but you must be 18 to purchase products.
Montana
There are no statewide bans, but you must be 18 to purchase products.
Nebraska
There are no statewide bans, but you must be 18 to purchase products.
Nevada
Vape products are expressly prohibited at piercing salons and purchasers must be 18 years old.
New Hampshire
Vaping is prohibited everywhere smoking, such as public learning buildings. You must be 18 to purchase these products.
New Jersey
New Jersey has strict no-vaping laws. It’s prohibited everywhere smoking is prohibited. Purchasers must be 18 years old.
New Mexico
Though vapes are not considered tobacco products, they are banned on all school properties. You must be 18 years old to buy.
New York
Vaping is banned most places where smoking is prohibited. It is not viewed as a tobacco product but you still have to be 18 to purchase.
North Carolina
Vaping is banned near children and in public places because it is considered a tobacco product. You must be 18 to purchase.
North Dakota
Vaping is restricted most places where smoking is prohibited in the state, but is not viewed as a tobacco product. You must be 18 to purchase.
Ohio
Vaping is banned in capitol buildings and tattoo shops. The University of Cincinnati campus restricts vape use. Unless the products are bought by a parent, you must be 18 to purchase.
Oklahoma
Vapes are banned in addiction treatment facilities. The age requirement for purchase is 18.
Oregon
Though the state doesn’t view vapes as tobacco products, they are typically restricted wherever smoking is prohibited. You must be 21 to buy vape products.
Pennsylvania
Vapes are considered tobacco products, however the state does not place restrictions on their use.
Rhode Island
You must be 18 to purchase products in the state. Vapes are banned at all correctional facilities.
South Carolina
You must be 18 to purchase and cannot use vapes while in an ambulance.
South Dakota
The state recognizes vapes as tobacco products, therefore these items cannot be used in public places, like correctional facilities. You must be 21 to use.
Tennessee
The only statewide ban is at Tennessee Tech University. Customers must be 18 to purchase.
Texas
Vape use is confined to designated smoking areas. These products cannot be used at school-related activities and are banned in the Department of Criminal Justice facilities. Must be 18 to purchase unless buying for a parent.
Utah
Utah bans vaping where smoking is prohibited. You must be 19 to purchase or 18 and accompanied by a parent.
Vermont
Vaping is banned where smoking is prohibited, like in cars with passengers who are minors, at childcare facilities, and at public schools. Purchasers must be 18.
Virginia
Virginia forbids the use of vape products at any school-related building or event and you must be 21 or an 18-year-old active duty servicemember to buy.
Washington
Vapes cannot be used at childcare buildings, playgrounds, schools, and other places where smoking is prohibited. Must be 18 to purchase.
West Virginia
Vapes are prohibited where smoking is prohibited, such as state vehicles, schools. Vapes are considered tobacco products so purchasers must be 18.
Wisconsin
Vapes cannot be used at State Fair Park buildings. You must be 18 to buy.
Wyoming
Vapes cannot be used at childcare facilities when there are children present. These products are considered tobacco products, so you must be 18 to purchase.
Best Signage Practices
Consult your local public health officials to ensure your campus, business, or facility is in compliance with local, state, and federal laws. You can buy no-vaping signage for your establishment to support these legal and personal initiatives. Make sure your no-vaping signs are placed in visible areas where all customers, employees, and students can see these very important messages.
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