No. New Hampshire prohibits vaping in vehicles when a child under 18 is present, classifying it as a secondary offense under RSA 265:79-c. Violations carry fines up to $100, enforced by local law enforcement and the Department of Safety’s 2026 compliance directives.
Key Regulations for Vaping in a Car with Kids in New Hampshire
- Minors in Vehicles: RSA 265:79-c explicitly bans vaping (including e-cigarettes) in any motor vehicle occupied by a child under 18, effective since 2021 and reinforced by 2026 enforcement protocols from the NH Division of Motor Vehicles.
- Secondary Offense: The law treats this as a secondary violation, meaning law enforcement must first stop the vehicle for another offense before issuing penalties.
- Local Enforcement: Municipal police departments and the NH State Police collaborate with the Department of Safety to monitor compliance, particularly in high-traffic areas like Manchester and Nashua.
Violations are documented in the state’s electronic citation system, with fines escalating for repeat offenses. Employers, schools, and childcare facilities in NH also align with these restrictions under broader public health statutes.