In Alabama, vaping has grown in popularity over the past few years. Because of this, lawmakers have passed laws and rules to deal with the growing public health concerns and possible risks of e-cigarette use.
This article’s goal is to give you a general idea of Alabama’s vaping laws and answer the question, “Is it legal to vape in Alabama?”
Update Aug. 1 2023
There is a new law in Alabama that says you can not smoke or vape in any car with people 14 or younger inside. People who break the law, which is meant to protect kids from the dangers of secondhand smoke, can be fined up to $100.
No matter if the windows are down or not, the rule applies to both moving and stopped cars. It does not let people smoke or vape in the driver’s seat or passenger areas when kids are around. Police can only give tickets for things that are related to a main crime, like speeding.
The Alabama Legislature passed the bill in April, and it became law on August 1.
ALABAMA’S CURRENT VAPING LAWS
Legal Age for Vaping
In Alabama, the legal age to purchase and possess vaping products is 21 years old, in line with federal law.
This law was enacted in December 2019, raising the minimum age from 19 to 21 years old. Retailers are required to verify the age of customers before selling vaping products.
Public Vaping Restrictions
In Alabama, is it okay to vape in public? Alabama has made it illegal to vape in public places in a number of ways. Vaping is illegal in some public places, like schools, government buildings, and health care facilities, according to state law.
It is also important to know the specific laws in your area because some local governments have made it illegal to vape in public places.
There are limits on vaping in public places in the following places:
- Anniston,
- Clay,
- Creola,
- Cullman,
- Decatur,
- Fultondale,
- Gadsden,
- Homewood,
- Midfield,
- Monroeville,
- Mountain Brook,
- Vestavia Hills,
- Troy,
- Bessemer,
- Foley,
- Opelika,
- Daphne,
- Madison,
- Luverne,
- Sheffield
Indoor Vaping Restrictions
In addition to the rules about vaping in public places that were already mentioned, Alabama also has rules about vaping inside in order to protect the public’s health and safety.
Most of the time, these rules apply to enclosed areas where people work or gather, like the ones below:
- Restaurants and bars
- Retail stores and shopping malls
- Hotels and motels (specifically in designated non-smoking rooms)
- Workplaces, including offices and manufacturing facilities
- Theaters and other entertainment venues
- Public transportation, including buses, trains, and taxis
- Sports arenas and stadiums
It is important to keep in mind that these rules may be different in different Alabama cities and counties. Make sure to check your local laws and ordinances to see if there are any other rules or exceptions that apply to vaping inside in your area.
Vaping in Schools
Alabama school grounds for grades K–12 strictly do not allow vaping. Everyone is banned: students, teachers, staff, and visitors. The goal of this law is to keep kids from being exposed to vaping and the health risks that might come with it.
Vaping while Driving
When talking about vaping in Alabama, it is also important to think about the risks that might come with vaping while driving. Even though vaping while driving is not against the law in every state, it is important to know that it could be dangerous and distracting.
Distracted driving, which includes things like eating, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio, can make accidents much more likely.
This could include vaping while driving because it can take your attention away from the road, especially if you are making changes to your vaping device or adding more e-liquid.
The laws in Alabama do not specifically say that vaping is a distraction, but police may still pull over drivers who seem to be driving recklessly or not paying attention to the road because they are vaping.
People who drive while distracted may get fines or other punishments in these situations.
To stay safe on the road, you should either not vape while driving or, if you have to, pull over somewhere safe and legal before using your vaping device. This will not only help you concentrate while driving, but it will also make the roads safer for everyone.
Online Sales Regulations
Alabama needs proof of age before vaping products can be sold online. A third-party age verification service must be used by retailers to make sure the customer is over the age of 18. Online sellers also have to use a delivery method that requires an adult signature upon delivery.
UNDERSTANDING THE LEGAL PENALTIES
Underage Vaping Penalties
In Alabama, people under the age of 18 who buy, use, or possess vaping products can be punished with fines, community service, or joining a program to raise awareness about tobacco.
If you get caught again, you might have to pay bigger fines and face more punishments.
Business Penalties
If a store is caught breaking Alabama’s vaping laws, like selling to people who are not old enough to buy or not checking the age of online customers, they could face big fines and even lose their tobacco sales permit.
Penalties depend on how bad the violation was and if there are any previous violations on file.
Additional Fines and Violations
People who are caught vaping in places where it is not allowed, like public buildings or schools, can be fined or given other punishments. The severity of these punishments may change based on the location and the situation.
In short, if you are 21 or older and live in Alabama, you can vape. But there are rules about where you can vape and how vaping products can be sold.
Since vaping is becoming more and more popular, people who do it need to know the laws and possible health risks that come with it. It is possible to make smart decisions about vaping in Alabama if you know what the rules are and follow them.