No, Missouri law does not explicitly ban vaping in cars with children, but local ordinances and federal guidance create layered restrictions. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) aligns with CDC recommendations discouraging exposure to secondhand aerosol in confined spaces. While state statute lacks a direct prohibition, municipalities like St. Louis and Kansas City have enacted stricter indoor air quality ordinances that may extend to vehicles under their jurisdiction. Employers and childcare providers face additional compliance obligations under Missouri’s Smoke-Free Air Act amendments slated for 2026, which could influence private vehicle policies.
Key Regulations for Vaping in a Car with Kids in Missouri
- Local Ordinances: Cities such as St. Louis and Kansas City prohibit smoking and vaping in vehicles when minors are present, enforced through municipal code violations. Violations may result in fines up to $500 under local health department regulations.
- Childcare and School Transport: Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) mandates tobacco-free policies for school buses and licensed childcare vehicles, which courts have interpreted to include vaping devices under “tobacco products” per 16 CSR 10-7.020.
- Federal Influence: While not binding, the FDA’s 2024 draft guidance on youth exposure to e-cigarette aerosol encourages states to adopt stricter measures, potentially shaping future Missouri legislation targeting vehicular vaping with minors.