Vaping Rules: Using a Vape in Public

Updated 13th February 2026

• The rules for vaping in public are inconsistent, set by venue owners, not a single national law.
• It is banned on all public transport, including trains, buses, trams, and planes.
• Most pubs, cafes, and airports ban vaping indoors; always check the policy first.
• The new Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to create more official vape-free public spaces.

Figuring out where you can and can’t vape in the UK can be confusing. Unlike smoking, there isn’t a simple nationwide ban that applies everywhere. The law that outlawed smoking in public places doesn’t cover e-cigarettes, so the rules often change depending on where you are.

The decision on whether to allow vaping is left up to the owners of individual spaces, from pubs and cafes to train companies and airports. This has created a patchwork of different policies across the country, making it tricky to know what the rules are. This guide will walk you through the common policies for different public settings, so you know what to expect.

Vaping in the car & with children

While there are no specific laws against vaping in your car, you can still be fined for dangerous or distracted driving as a result of vaping. This is about to change when there are children present in the car, however.

A new law will be passed as part of the Tobacco and Vapes bill to ban vaping in a car containing children[i]. Although studies so far indicate that second-hand vape smoke isn’t particularly harmful[ii]. This amendment is likely to be done in an effort to reduce the normalisation of vaping in children. Figures from 2021 show that around 4% of 11 to 15-year-olds vape regularly[iii], which equates to around 140,000 children.

Vaping on Public Transport

If you’re planning to vape on your commute, the rules are generally straightforward: it’s not allowed. Virtually all public transport operators across the UK have implemented their own bans on the use of e-cigarettes.

Vaping on Buses and Trains

Major bus companies like Arriva[iv] and Stagecoach[v] explicitly forbid vaping at any time on their vehicles. The situation is identical on the railways. Network Rail, which manages major stations, doesn’t allow vaping on platforms or inside station buildings. Train operators like GWR[vi] and Northern Rail[vii] extend this ban to their trains. This is often for practical reasons; the aerosol from a vape can trigger sensitive smoke alarms[viii], potentially halt a train and cause significant delays.

The ban also applies to tram services. Manchester’s Metrolink and Transport for London (TfL)[ix] prohibit vaping across their entire networks. In fact, TfL’s policy covers the Tube, buses, taxis, and private hire vehicles, applying to both passengers and drivers. Tyne and Wear Metro also announced a vape ban on all of their services from 1st July 2025.

Vaping at Airports and on Planes

Navigating airport and airline rules with a vape requires careful attention, as policies are strict and universally enforced.

Vaping At the Airport

Once you are inside an airport terminal in the UK, you cannot use your e-cigarette. All UK airports prohibit vaping indoors, treating it the same as smoking. If you want to vape before your flight, you must use the designated smoking areas located outside the terminal building. A handful of airports may offer an airside smoking area after you’ve passed through security, but these are increasingly rare and you should check the specific airport’s policy before you travel.

Airport Security and Vapes

When it comes to security, e-cigarettes in airports such as Gatwick, vaping devices must be carried in your hand luggage. They are banned from checked (hold) baggage due to the risk of the battery overheating. You’ll also need to ensure your device can’t be activated by accident, and your e-liquids must comply with the 100ml liquid restriction[x].

Vaping In the Air

The rules for flying are simple: the use of e-cigarettes or any vaping device is completely forbidden on all airlines. While you must carry your device in your hand luggage, it cannot be used at any point during the flight.

Vaping Rules in Pubs, Cafes, and Restaurants

Unlike the clear-cut bans on public transport, the rules for vaping in pubs, cafes, and restaurants are less consistent. As vaping is not covered by smokefree legislation, it is currently up to the individual establishment to decide its own policy.

This means that while one pub might allow vaping, another next door may not. Most major pub and restaurant chains have opted to ban vaping indoors as a matter of company policy to ensure the comfort of all their customers. When in doubt, the safest approach is to assume you cannot vape and to always ask a member of staff before doing so. It’s also worth noting that even where vaping is permitted inside, it’s considered poor etiquette to vape at the dinner table.

Vaping outside hospitals

It’s well established that vaping inside hospitals is not allowed however, thanks to the changes we mentioned earlier, vaping outside hospitals will soon be banned. The changes are made in an effort to protect vulnerable people, who may be particularly sensitive to respiratory conditions.

Even though vaping is a fantastic stop smoking aid, it’s not recommended for people who may have ongoing respiratory or heart conditions.

Is It Illegal to Drive and Vape?

While we're on the topic of transport, it's worth noting that there are no specific laws against vaping in private vehicles. However, drivers must always maintain control of their vehicle, so vaping while driving could potentially be seen as a distraction and could lead to a £100 on the spot fine[xii]. This fine could rise to £5000 in more serious cases, or if contested in court.

A Discreet Alternative: What About Oral Nicotine?

Given the extensive restrictions on vaping, particularly on transport and in hospitality venues, some are turning to other products for situations where e-cigarettes aren’t an option. One such product is oral nicotine.

NicLeaf offers a discreet, tobacco-free way to use nicotine. You simply place a single leaf between your lip and gum, which allows the nicotine to be absorbed. Because they are completely vapour and smoke-free, you can use them in places where vaping and smoking are prohibited—such as aeroplanes, trains, or pubs—without drawing attention or disturbing those around you.

For those seeking a premium experience, NicLeaf provides a convenient, next-generation solution. These ultra-slim leaves are available in four distinct flavours: Citrus, Fresh Mint, Strawberry, and Watermelon. To ensure you find the right fit for your preferences, NicLeaf comes in three strengths: Low, Medium, and High.

Top Tips for Travelling with Your Vape

• Check Before You Go: Policies can change, so check with the airport or transport operator before you travel.
• When in Doubt, Don’t: If you’re unsure if you can vape, it’s best to wait until you’re in an area where you know it’s permitted.
• Pack Wisely: When flying, always pack your vape device and batteries in your carry-on luggage.
• Know the Liquid Limit: Ensure your e-liquids comply with the 100ml rule for airport security.
• Consider Alternatives: For long journeys or places with strict bans, nicotine pouches can be a convenient, temporary alternative.

The Future of Vaping in Public and The Tobacco and Vapes Bill

The current patchwork of rules for vaping in public could soon be simplified by new legislation. The government has introduced the Tobacco and Vapes Bill[xii], which proposes giving ministers the power to make most public places and workplaces that are already smoke-free also vape-free.

This could mean that vaping inside pubs, cafes, and other indoor venues would be banned by law, rather than just by company policy. The government has stated its primary focus for new outdoor bans will be on protecting children, with areas outside schools, in children’s playgrounds, and around hospitals being the likely first targets[xiii]. As we now know, many of these are coming into effect.

The bill represents a significant shift in vaping regulation. It aims to balance preventing youth uptake with allowing adult smokers to use vapes as a quitting tool. A full consultation will determine the final details, but the direction is clear: the spaces where you can vape will become more restricted.

References

[i] https://news.sky.com/story/vaping-in-cars-with-children-to-be-banned-under-new-plans-13506993

[ii] https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/ready-to-quit-smoking/vaping-to-quit-smoking/vaping-myths-and-the-facts

[iii] https://bills.parliament.uk/publications/64740/documents/7852

[iv] https://help.arrivabus.co.uk/faqs/north-west-and-wales/using_bus/smoking

[v] https://www.stagecoachbus.com/help-and-contact/faqs/can-i-use-my-ecigarette-on-the-bus

[vi] https://www.gwr.com/help-and-support/faqs/travelling-with-gwr

[vii] https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/northern-warns-sly-vapers-to-give-it-up-or-get-off-the-train-after-receiving-dozens-of-complaints

[viii] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2p012090do

[ix https://content.tfl.gov.uk/11-15-smoking-e-cigarettes-policy.pdf

[x] https://www.gatwick-airport-guide.co.uk/e-cigarettes.html

[xi] https://www.arnoldclark.com/blog/advice/vaping-while-driving

[xii] https://healthmedia.blog.gov.uk/2024/11/05/the-tobacco-and-vapes-bill-what-you-need-to-know/

[xiii] https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/c4gpe9l47jdo