Vaping is becoming more popular as an alternative to smoking, but as its use grows, so do questions about when it is legal, like when you are driving. If you live in South Carolina or are just visiting, you should know what the law says about vaping while driving.
Vaping While Driving: Is It Illegal?
There are no clear laws in South Carolina that say you can not vape while driving. But this does not mean you can vape without any consequences.
The state has general traffic laws that are meant to keep drivers safe, and vaping could get you in trouble with the law in some situations.
Distracted Driving Laws
South Carolina has laws against driving while distracted, especially when using a cell phone. These laws do not say anything about vaping specifically, but if it takes your attention away from driving, it could be seen as a distraction.
If you are focused on changing your vape settings, adding more e-liquid, or taking a very long draw, for example, police could say that you are driving while distracted.
Section 56-5-3890 of the South Carolina Code of Laws says that driving while distracted is illegal. If you get caught, you could face fines or license points.
Impact on Visibility
The vapor itself is another thing to think about when vaping and driving. When you breathe out, a big cloud of vapor can block your view of the road, especially if you are in a car or another small space.
This can make things unsafe and could even cause an accident. In this case, South Carolina law says you could be ticketed for driving recklessly.
Driving Under the Influence of THC or Nicotine
Vaping devices are often used with e-liquids containing nicotine or THC (the psychoactive compound found in cannabis). While nicotine vaping is legal for individuals aged 21 and over, driving under the influence of THC is strictly prohibited in South Carolina.
The state has zero-tolerance laws for THC impairment, meaning any detectable amount in your system could lead to charges of driving under the influence (DUI).
Even if you are vaping a legal nicotine product, excessive use could lead to side effects like dizziness, which might impair your ability to drive safely. If an officer suspects that vaping has impacted your driving ability, you could face penalties.
Vaping Around Minors
It is against the law in South Carolina to smoke or vape in a car with kids inside. Laws like these are meant to keep kids safe from secondhand smoke and vapor. If you break this law, you could face fines and other punishments.
Tips for Safe Vaping While Driving
- When you are in a small space, do not use vaping devices that make too many clouds.
- Pay attention to the road and do not change the settings on your vape or add more e-liquid while you are driving.
- If you want to drive, do not vape THC or any other drug that could make you less alert.
- Do not vape in your car when there are minors inside.
Conclusion
Vaping while driving is not technically against the law in South Carolina, but it can get you in trouble if it causes you to be distracted, makes it hard to see, or contains THC.
Safety should always come first, and you should follow the law to avoid taking unnecessary risks. If you are not sure, it is best not to vape at all while driving.
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