Is Vaping in Public Legal?

The popularity of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco devices was growing in recent years, with many adult smokers making the switch from cigarettes. If you’re a legal age nicotine user you might wonder about vaping in public. In this helpful guide, we’ll cover where you can vape with an e-cigarette or use a heated tobacco product.

What’s a Public Place?

A public place can be defined as somewhere that’s open and accessible to everyone. It can be indoors; a train station, a museum, a shopping center, or outdoors; a park or a street, for instance. When it comes to vaping regulations often depend on where you live.

Can You Vape in Public Places?

When it comes to vaping in public, there are different rules depending on where you live. Regulatory measures are often introduced to prevent potential risks. In some countries, vapes are seen as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes, and may come with different usage restrictions. This can also depend on whether you’re indoors or outdoors. So, where can you vape in public? Let’s take a look.

Can you vape indoors?

Indoor vaping is an interesting topic because, despite their reduced risk compared to cigarettes, e-cigarette use is largely prohibited indoors similarly to smoking. You might want to vape on your way home, perhaps after a long day of work. In most cases, vaping on every form of public transport is prohibited, and this includes trains, buses, and trams. This is especially the case for planes. Vaping is prohibited on all flights, even if you’re in the bathroom - so save your vape for a designated space when you land. If you’re still unsure after checking a place’s vaping rules, it’s best to err on the side of caution and abstain, just as you would when smoking a cigarette. Some indoor public places may allow you to vape, although be sure to check with the establishment as rules around indoor vaping can depend on the company or owner’s individual preferences.

What about outdoor public places?

Vaping in outdoor public places is usually allowed, but this depends on the type of place and where you are in the world. The best practice is to pay close attention to who owns the land - check with the local authority if you’re unsure – as well as respecting the local culture. There are certain outdoor places, like a park or a street, where vaping might be allowed. Do note that laws differ on vaping around the world, so always check first if you are uncertain. This is especially important if you are traveling. 

When it comes to the question, can you vape in public places? The answer can depend on where you live. Always check to be sure that you can vape. Of course, we shouldn’t just talk about vapes, as heated tobacco devices are also growing in popularity.

Do The Same Rules Apply to Different Smoke-Free Device Types?

We’re not only looking at vaping in public. Heated tobacco is another smoke-free option for adult smokers. If you’re a heated tobacco user, you might be wondering if the rules for smoking or vaping apply. The devices are usually treated the same as cigarettes in public spaces. If you’re uncertain, it’s best to avoid using your heated tobacco device until you’re in a designated smoking or vaping area.

What About Other Vaping Locations?

There might be locations that you want to know more about. We’ve considered some of the most popular queries and answered them below.

Can you vape in public places such as…

- Cinemas - Most cinemas prohibit the use of smoke-free devices. 

- At Work - This falls under your employer’s policies. 

- Hotels - Rules vary by institution. Your hotel may have a designated area.

- Pubs and bars - Often, a pub or a bar will have a designated outdoor area for vaping or smoking. 

- Restaurants - Vaping is not usually allowed in restaurants, though this depends on where in the world you are. They usually have a designated area nearby.

- Nightclubs - In most cases, vaping in public nightclubs is not allowed, but they may have a designated area for this very purpose.

When it comes to vaping in public places or using heated tobacco, regulations within different regions vary, and it’s always best to check first before using your vape. There should always be a consideration made for those around you first. You might be looking for your first smoke-free device, having decided to make the switch from cigarettes. That’s where the innovative IQOS heated tobacco range may be of interest. With HeatControl Technology you can expect a real tobacco taste - Shop for IQOS.


This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.