Is It Illegal to Vape and Drive in Tennessee? Here’s What the Law Says

No, it is not illegal for adults to vape and drive in Tennessee, provided you are not violating other laws such as those regarding age, impaired driving, or vaping in prohibited locations.

Key Points from Tennessee Law

• Age Restriction:
  You must be 21 or older to purchase, possess, or use vapor products in Tennessee.
• Where Vaping Is Prohibited:
  Tennessee law bans vaping anywhere smoking is prohibited, including:
  • Childcare centersHealthcare facilitiesSchools and school groundsCertain public places and workplacesState-owned vehicles
  However, private vehicles are not included in these bans unless they are being used for the public transportation of children, as a health care facility vehicle, or as a taxi/commercial vehicle for hire.
• Vaping While Driving:
  There is no Tennessee law that specifically prohibits vaping while driving a private vehicle if you are of legal age and not transporting children as part of a daycare or similar service.
• Impaired Driving:
  If vaping involves substances other than nicotine (such as THC or other impairing drugs), you could be charged with impaired driving under DUI laws. But for legal nicotine vaping, this does not apply.

Summary Table

Scenario	Is It Illegal?	Notes
Adult (21+) vaping while driving	No	Legal in a private vehicle if not violating other laws
Under 21 vaping while driving	Yes	Illegal for anyone under 21 to possess or use vapor products
Vaping in commercial/public transport	Yes	Illegal in vehicles used for public transportation of children, health care, or as taxis
Vaping with impairing substances	Yes	DUI laws apply if driving under the influence

Vaping while driving your own car is not illegal in Tennessee if you are 21 or older and not transporting children as part of a daycare, healthcare, or commercial service. There are no laws prohibiting vaping and driving for adults in private vehicles, but you must comply with all other relevant laws, including age restrictions and impaired driving statutes.

Sources

1. https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tacir/2025publications/2025_YouthVaping.pdf
2. https://www.mtas.tennessee.edu/reference/non-smoker-protection-act
3. https://casaa.org/get-involved/state-locator/tennessee/
4. https://www.findlaw.com/state/criminal-laws/vaping-and-e-cigarette-laws-by-state.html
5. https://newschannel9.com/news/local/tennessee-bill-aiming-to-curb-illegal-vape-sales-could-shut-down-shops-heres-why