Electronic Cigarette Use While Driving May Result in Prosecution

Sep.23.2022
Electronic Cigarette Use While Driving May Result in Prosecution
Drivers caught using e-cigarettes may face fines and penalties, even if the practice is not technically illegal.

In March 2020, Nick Lloyd, the head of road safety at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents in the UK, explained that while it is not illegal to use electronic cigarettes, drivers caught using them can face prosecution. "Although it is not currently prohibited by law, the trend of drivers choosing to use e-cigarettes on the road is a growing and concerning one. If using them while driving results in a collision, this behaviour can be seen as careless driving - which is an illegal activity.


In standard journalistic English, he points out that like glare from the sun, e-cigarette vapor can cause visual impairment and potentially lead to fatal accidents. As a result, if law enforcement officers observe someone using an e-cigarette and believe the vapor is impacting their ability to safely operate a vehicle, they may issue an on-the-spot fine of £100 and a penalty of 3 points. In more severe cases or those subject to dispute in court, fines may reach up to £5,000 and result in a penalty of 9 points or even a driving ban imposed by the court.


Only one in ten e-cigarette users say they vape while driving.


Meanwhile, a survey conducted by GoSmokeFree.co.uk found that the vast majority of e-cigarette users do not vape while driving, with only 11% indicating that they do. For the few who do, they should be reminded that if they were to cause an accident due to a cloud of vapor obstructing their vision, their insurance may not cover any damages or injuries resulting from the incident. Lloyd's of London stated, "Using e-cigarettes while driving could be seen as careless driving, which is an illegal activity.


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