Drivers caught vaping in vehicles could risk being fined £5,000 as experts warn that they could be breaching the Road Traffic Act.
Concerned road safety campaigners stated that vaping in a car while driving can “significantly” impair visibility and lead to serious legal consequences.
According to the Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, the smoke caused by vapes is a distraction that can have “dire” consequences.
While vaping and driving is not illegal, if it causes drivers to be distracted, it could see motorists land hefty fines.
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Drivers can be fined up to £5,000 for vaping in vehicles
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The police unit warned: “All it takes is a moment to become distracted and potentially cause a crash or, even worse, a fatality.
“There are no laws prohibiting vaping. However, you need to be in full and proper control of your vehicle at all times.
“Firstly, any person who is distracted in any way could be guilty of an offence – whether that be smoking, vaping, eating, etc.
“In investigations that we conduct, any distraction would need to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.”
Under section three of the Road Traffic Act, if a person drives a mechanically propelled vehicle on a road or other public place without “due care and attention”, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road or place, they are guilty of an offence.
Under the Road Traffic Act, anything that obscures a driver's vision, including vape or cigarette smoke, can lead to them being prosecuted.
Swansway Motor Group explained that drivers need to be aware that vaping in the car can lead to “serious consequences”.
Offences for distracted driving may lead to a £5,000 fine and nine points on their licence.
The motor group urged road users to consider the risks associated with vaping or smoking while driving.
The group stated that maintaining clear visibility while driving is “vital” and due to vaping creating a cloud inside the vehicle, it puts drivers at risk of violating traffic laws.
Swansway commented: "As part of our commitment to promoting responsible driving, we remind all drivers that the penalties for driving without due care, potentially triggered by vaping, are severe.
“It's important to keep these potential legal and safety implications in mind whenever you're behind the wheel."
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Vaping can breach the Road Traffic Act by distracting drivers
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Other distractions in cars can lead to drivers facing hefty punishments, including using a mobile phone, with the Government strengthening rules around this in March 2022.