It can be unclear to many if vaping and driving is allowed. After all, drinking and driving, and using a mobile phone while driving are both very illegal, with consequences leading to points on your licence, driving bans, and jail time. In the case of vaping, while there is no explicit law regarding vaping and driving, you could still encounter legal trouble, or cause an injury to yourself or someone else.

Although nicotine is not a banned substance to be under the influence of whilst driving, you could still fall foul of the Road Traffic Act 1988.Vaping could be classed as driving without due care, especially if vapour were to block your view of the road, or if you were to take your hands off the wheel/ be otherwise distracted. In recent years, vapour has actually contributed to a few high profile traffic accidents. Additionally, rule 148 of the Highway code advises drivers to steer clear of distractions such as smoking, so by extension vaping will also be frowned upon.

Vaping can distract drivers in 3 key ways:

• Vision: Vaping may cause drivers to momentarily take their eyes off the road, additionally thick vapour clouds could prevent drivers from seeing properly.
• Focus: Even if you think you're good at multitasking, it's not worth risking your vaping experience distracting you. When vaping you focus on your inhales a lot more than usual, which may distract you at an important moment. Additionally, the chemical reaction of relieving your nicotine cravings may distract the brain for even a few seconds. 
• Hands: To operate your vape you may need to use your hand(s), if your hands are not both securely on the wheel at all times you are much more likely to be involved in an accident. 

Insurance companies have even started asking questions about vape usage, sometimes refusing claims where vaping may have contributed to an incident. If you are ever in an accident and a vape is involved you should always be 100% honest, as hiding it will void your entire policy, making you liable for all the damages associated.

Some vapers may find the idea of a long car journey without access to their vape overwhelming. However, there are some practical steps you can take to minimise the stress of nicotine cravings:

• Carve out breaks. Cravings can be rough and you don't want them distracting you from driving either. It might be an idea to check the route of a long journey for service stations and places you can stop for a quick vape break.

• Nicotine pouches are a great hands free, vapour free alternative. Just pop one between your lip and your gum and the nicotine will absorb into your bloodstream. Just make sure you have used them before as it can sometimes make new users feel dizzy and lightheaded. Check out our extensive range of nicotine pouches.

• Other nicotine replacement therapies may also be a useful option. A nicotine replacement patch is one of the safest options when driving, as you just apply it to the skin for either 14 or 24 hours. A gum or lozenge option would also work for shorter journeys as a hands-free option.

Although it is not explicitly illegal, it is unwise to vape while driving. There are other ways you can get your nicotine for longer journeys, and it just isn't worth risking accidents or injuries to vape. If you are thinking of using nicotine replacements such as pouches or gum be sure to ensure you remove them from their packaging and pop them in your mouth before you set off on your journey.

Check out our driving friendly product recommendations, including nicotine pouches and gums.