Vaping and Driving in Louisiana: Is It Illegal? There are many laws and responsibilities a driver must follow in order to keep everyone safe on the road in Louisiana. With more and more people vaping each day, many drivers may find themselves asking whether it is legal in their state to vape while driving.
In order to stay out of trouble and keep you safe on the road, you will want to know the laws of Louisiana and the dangers associated with breaking them.
Is Vaping while driving a crime
Louisiana, as at 2024, has no laws that classify vaping while driving to be a direct crime.
The law does not make the act directly illegal like sending texts or using a handheld phone in certain conditions. However, this doesn’t mean vaping while driving is allowed entirely.
Louisiana Distracted Driving Law
In Louisiana, it’s unlawful to drive while distracted. State law stated that every act distracting a driver from the road is considered distracted driving.
Vaping, although not listed specifically as a distraction in the law, doing such actions as changing the vape’s settings, refilling it, or making thick clouds of vapor could make it harder to see and concentrate.
If a police officer believes that vaping caused you to drive too quickly or negligently and causes an accident, you might be charged in relation to laws regarding distracted driving or careless operation.
Driving with Minors and Vaping Bans
Louisiana has some laws that place restrictions on minors who are exposed to secondhand smoke. This includes smoke coming from an electronic cigarette. Prohibited by law, if there is a child under 13 years old in your car, you can’t smoke or vape.
If you break this law, you might face fines and points on the record for driving. If you vape while driving children, you could get in trouble with lawmen and, in the worst scenario, place children entrusted to your care in danger.
Possible Risks of Vaping While Driving
Although vaping while driving is not illegal at all, there are a few things that can go wrong:
- Fines and Penalties: If vaping causes you to drive carelessly or distractingly, you may be ticketed and fined under Louisiana’s traffic laws.
- Risk of Collision: Handling a vape device or blowing out big vapor clouds can briefly distract you, which increases your risk of getting into a collision.
- Traffic Violations and Car Insurance Premiums: Traffic Violations For being involved in distracted driving, you might face increased car insurance premiums.
To stay safe and on the right side of the law in Louisiana, be sure to follow these tips:
- Do not vape while you are driving. This will keep your attention on the road and reduce distractions.
- Pull over if you need to. If you want to vape, find a safe spot to pull over and take a break.
- Do not vape in the car with kids: Follow the law and look out for their health.
Conclusion
While vaping and driving is not outright illegal in Louisiana, it can lead to complications under the state’s distracted driving and child safety laws.
Prioritize safety and legality by keeping your focus on the road and respecting passengers’ well-being. By doing so, you’ll help create a safer driving environment for everyone on Louisiana’s roads.
