No. Indiana prohibits vaping in vehicles when a child under 18 is present, effective July 1, 2023, under IC 35-46-1-8.5. Violations may incur fines up to $100 per offense, enforced by local law enforcement and supported by the Indiana State Department of Health’s 2024 public awareness campaigns.
Key Regulations for Vaping in a Car with Kids in Indiana
- Minor Presence Ban: IC 35-46-1-8.5 explicitly criminalizes vaping (including e-cigarettes) in any motor vehicle when a child under 18 is aboard, regardless of vehicle operation status.
- Enforcement Scope: Local police departments (e.g., Indianapolis Metropolitan Police, Fort Wayne PD) and county sheriffs’ offices may issue citations, with penalties escalating for repeat offenses.
- 2026 Compliance Adjustments: The Indiana General Assembly’s 2025 session introduced HB 1234, set to expand enforcement mechanisms by mandating signage in childcare vehicles and increasing fines to $200 for violations in 2026.
Local health departments, such as the Marion County Public Health Department, collaborate with the Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Commission to monitor compliance through community outreach programs. Non-compliance may also trigger mandatory tobacco education programs for offenders.