Can You Vape While Driving in Canada? A Guide to the Rules

Vaping and driving is one of the biggest legal grey areas for Canadian drivers today. While no law specifically mentions the word "vaping," you can absolutely be ticketed for it. 

If you’ve ever asked yourself, "can you vape while driving," you've come to the right place. We’ll explain how this action falls under distracted driving laws and what that means for you.

Is Vaping Behind the Wheel Specifically Illegal?

Right now, there is no specific law in Canada that says, "You cannot use a vaping device while operating a vehicle."

However, that doesn't mean you have a green light. The real issue is that vaping can easily fall under Canada's strict distracted driving laws. These laws are designed to stop any activity that takes your attention away from the road.

How Vaping Becomes Distracted Driving

Police can charge you with distracted driving if they believe your actions are unsafe. Vaping creates several types of distractions at once.

• Visual Distraction: The huge cloud of vapor from your device can temporarily block your view. You might miss a car braking ahead, a person crossing the street, or a change in traffic lights.
• Manual Distraction: Driving requires both hands. When you pick up your vape, you take one hand off the steering wheel. This reduces your control over the vehicle.
• Cognitive Distraction: Your brain is focused on vaping instead of driving. Even a few seconds of mental distraction can be a major driving mistake.

Basically, anything that takes your eyes, hands, or mind off the task of driving is a distraction.

The Real-World Dangers of Vaping in Your Car

The biggest concern is safety. A fine is bad, but causing an accident is far worse. Think about what can happen when you can you vape while driving in your car.

Imagine you exhale a large cloud and, for two or three seconds, you can't see the road clearly. A lot can happen in that time. It's a scary thought.

What if you drop your vape? Your first instinct might be to look down and grab it. This simple act could lead to a serious crash, truly testing your driving skills in the worst way possible.

What Are the Penalties Across Canada?

Since vaping falls under distracted driving, the penalties can be severe. These rules change from province to province, but they are all serious.

You could face hundreds or even thousands of dollars in fines. You will also likely get demerit points on your license. On top of that , a distracted driving ticket can make your car insurance rates go way up.

Best Practices for Vapers on the Road

So, what should you do? The answer is to always put safety first.

• Wait Until You Arrive: The safest and simplest choice is to just wait until you’ve reached your destination. Your vape will still be there when you park.
• Pull Over Safely: If you really need to vape, find a safe and legal spot to pull over. Park your car, turn it off, and then use your device. This also helps you avoid causing frustrationfor other drivers.
• Store Your Device: To avoid the temptation, keep your vape in the glove box, a bag, or somewhere you can't easily reach while driving.

A Note for New or Nervous Drivers:

If you are a first-time driver, it’s even more important to avoid distractions. You need all your focus on the road to build good habits and confidence. Don't add another task to the mix.

If you want to drive without risks, learn the right driving skills first!

Why It’s Not Worth the Risk

So, let's go back to our main question: can you vape while driving? While there isn't a specific law against it, the act can be legally treated as distracted driving.

The risks are just too high. Between the potential for huge fines, demerit points, and the very real danger of causing an accident, it’s simply not worth it. The safest choice is always to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.