While there isn’t a law specifically forbidding vaping while driving in Ohio, it can still lead to legal consequences.
Distracted Driving:
- Ohio law prohibits distracted driving, which includes any activity that takes your attention away from driving. This can be “physically taking your hands from the wheel, eyes away from the road, or mental activities that take your mind away from driving”.
- Vaping could be considered a form of distracted driving, similar to using a cell phone, eating, or engaging in emotional conversations. If a police officer observes a driver vaping and believes it is impairing their driving, they could be pulled over.
Other Considerations:
- Marijuana Vaping: Ohio has five laws related to cannabis and cars, and those laws remain unaffected by Ohio’s legalization of recreational marijuan. The legislation legalizing recreational marijuana use also prohibits smoking and vaping cannabis in a vehicle.
- Age Restrictions: In Ohio, the legal age to purchase vape products is 21. Retailers must adhere to this age limit to avoid penalties.
- E-Cigarette Regulations: Ohio has regulations regarding e-cigarettes.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance Non-compliance with vaping laws can lead to severe penalties, including hefty fines and potential business closure. For instance, selling vapes that exceed legal capacity limits or to underage individuals can result in significant legal repercussions.
Sources:
- https://www.columbusoviattorneyblog.com/using-marijuana-is-legal-in-ohio-driving-under-the-influence-of-marijuana-is-not/
- https://ground.news/article/is-it-illegal-to-vape-and-drive-in-ohio-heres-what-the-law-says_c6ca01
- https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/publicsafety.ohio.gov/hsy7607.pdf
- https://www.spiritbarvape.com/is-vape-illegal-in-ohio/
