Vaping while driving is not as clearly against the law in Virginia as some other things that people do while driving, but knowing the rules can help you stay out of trouble and avoid dangerous situations.
Virginia does not have a law that says you can not vape and drive, but there are some legal rules that drivers should be aware of, as well as concerns about being safe and responsible on the road.
1. Vaping and Distracted Driving Laws in Virginia
Virginia’s laws against distracted driving mostly cover using cell phones and other handheld devices. From 2020 on, it will be against the law in the state to hold a phone while driving.
It is important to remember that any action that takes your attention or hands off the wheel while driving can be considered distracted driving, which is illegal. This law does not specifically cover vaping devices.
A police officer could decide that vaping made you less able to drive safely. If this happens and you cause an accident or hurt someone else, you could be fined or given harsher punishments.
2. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Implications
If a driver vapes something that makes them less smart or able to move, like nicotine or cannabis, they could be charged with DUI.
Virginia law makes it clear that it is against the law to drive while high on any substance, including drugs, alcohol, or other substances that make you less alert.
If a driver is caught vaping cannabis, they could be in trouble with the law, especially since possessing cannabis is only partially legalized in Virginia.
Police can do a field sobriety test on a driver if they think that person is high on THC or any other drug that changes your mind.
3. Safety Concerns Around Vaping and Driving
If you vape something that is legal, like nicotine or flavored vape liquids, there are safety risks that come with doing it while driving.
Handling and inhaling a vaping device can take your attention away from the road and your hands off the wheel, which can cause an accident.
When there is an emergency, vaping can slow you down, which could have bad results in a hurry. If this behavior puts other people on the road in danger, it can be called reckless.
4. Potential Penalties and Legal Consequences
Virginia does not have a specific law against vaping while driving, but if vaping is found to be the cause of an accident or traffic violation, the driver could be fined or lose points on their license.
The consequences could be even worse if the vape has illegal substances in it. Depending on the amount and substance, you could even go to jail.
5. Best Practices for Vaping Drivers
It is suggested that drivers do not vape while driving in order to stay safe and avoid possible legal trouble. It is safer to pull over somewhere safe to vape if you have to, especially if you have to take your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road.
By only vaping when they are stopped, drivers can avoid the dangers of being distracted and help make the roads safer for everyone.
Also see:-Is It Illegal to Flip Off a Cop in New Jersey? Here’s What the Law Says
