Smoking and E-Cigarettes While Driving: UK Regulations

Oct.19.2022
Smoking and E-Cigarettes While Driving: UK Regulations
Smoking in cars with a roof is illegal for under-18s in the UK, and distracted smoking drivers may be fined £100.

Although smoking or vaping while driving is not illegal in the UK, it is prohibited for individuals under the age of 18 to smoke in a vehicle with a roof.


According to Arnold Clark, if the police determine that a driver failed to properly control their vehicle due to smoking, the driver could be fined £100 for careless driving. Section 148 of the Highway Code states that drivers should "avoid distractions" while driving, and smoking is one such example.


Although it is not illegal to use electronic cigarettes, drivers who are distracted by the vapor may be sued for failing to exercise due care and attention.


The vapor clouds from e-cigarettes can create a visual impairment similar to that of sunlight glare, which often leads to fatal accidents.


In more severe cases, this charge could result in a maximum fine of £5,000 and even a court-imposed driving ban.


Furthermore, if vision is impaired due to smoke, insurance companies are unlikely to cover any damage or injury caused in a car accident.


According to a public opinion survey conducted by IAM RoadSmart, the UK's largest independent road safety charity, 57% of smokers holding a full UK driver's license admitted to smoking cigarettes or using e-cigarettes while driving.


Statement:


This article is compiled from third-party information and is intended solely for exchange and learning within the industry.


This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the authenticity and accuracy of the content. The compilation of this article is only for industry exchange and research purposes.


Due to limitations in the level of translation, this article may not fully convey the same meaning as the original text. Please refer to the original text for accuracy.


2FIRSTS holds the same views and positions as the Chinese government on anything related to domestic issues, as well as issues regarding Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and foreign affairs.


Copyright of the compiled information belongs to the original media and authors. If there is any infringement, please contact us for removal.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Hong Kong, China Cracks Down on E-Cigarette Smuggling with HK$20 Million Seizure
Hong Kong, China Cracks Down on E-Cigarette Smuggling with HK$20 Million Seizure
Hong Kong's Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has arrested 16 individuals for allegedly bribing logistics workers to distribute illegal e-cigarettes. The operation led to the seizure of over 200,000 e-cigarette products valued at HK$20 million, marking the largest such case since the city's vaping ban.
May.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
The Rise of a Global Black Market in Nicotine Pouches
The Rise of a Global Black Market in Nicotine Pouches
As global demand for oral nicotine products surges, a shadow supply chain is quietly taking hold—powered by counterfeit manufacturing, brand exploitation, and regulatory blind spots. A 2Firsts investigation has uncovered how unauthorized ZYN and VELO pouches, priced as low as $1 per can, are sold in bulk on Chinese B2B platforms and exported to Western markets with little oversight.
May.06
KT&G Expands lil Hybrid Lineup to 14 with New “Mix Ice Moa” Flavor
KT&G Expands lil Hybrid Lineup to 14 with New “Mix Ice Moa” Flavor
KT&G has announced the nationwide launch of its new heated tobacco stick, “Mix Ice Moa,” now available at major convenience stores across South Korea.
May.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Mylor Innovation Lab Unveils Coolant Series to Pioneer "3D Sensory" Vaping Experience
Mylor Innovation Lab Unveils Coolant Series to Pioneer "3D Sensory" Vaping Experience
At the 2025 World Vape Show in Dubai, Mylor Innovation Lab Co., Ltd introduced its new Coolant Series—an upgraded cooling agent for e-liquids. Featuring a three-phase sensation”mouth burst-nasal linger-throat hold,” the product aims to enhance the traditional cooling experience and offer users a more dynamic, layered 3D feel.
Jun.12
Product | Adjustable Flavor Strength and Acidity via Rotating Dial: LOST MARY Launches ULTRASONIC 35K in U.S.
Product | Adjustable Flavor Strength and Acidity via Rotating Dial: LOST MARY Launches ULTRASONIC 35K in U.S.
LOST MARY has released the ULTRASONIC 35K disposable vape in the U.S., offering up to 35,000 puffs. It features a rotating dial to adjust flavor strength and sourness, plus an LED screen showing battery and e-liquid levels. The device is priced at $16.99 and is now available in the U.S.
May.28
Poland Aims to Regulate Nicotine Pouches, Filling Regulatory Gap
Poland Aims to Regulate Nicotine Pouches, Filling Regulatory Gap
The Polish Law Development Forum has warned that nicotine pouches, which entered the Polish market in 2020, have long been unregulated and are easily accessible to minors. The current parliamentary draft law aims to ban the sale to minors, restrict sales channels, and mandate health warnings and nicotine content limits. While the EU’s technical notification procedure has been completed, the organization fears that amendments by lawmakers could delay the legislation.
May.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai