Prohibition of vaping (electronic cigarette)

Verified 21 July 2025 - Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

What are the places where it is not possible to use the electronic cigarette? Vaping is prohibited in schools and establishments intended for the reception, training and accommodation of minors. The same applies to closed public transport systems, in places where workstations are located, closed and covered for public use. There are penalties. We're taking a look at the regulations.

In certain public or work places, it is prohibited use an electronic cigarette:

Tableau - Places with or without a vaping ban

Places

Prohibition of vaping

Public or private educational institution (schools, colleges, high schools, universities)

YES

Apprenticeship Training Centers (CFA)

YES

Establishment intended, or regularly used, for the reception, training, accommodation or sport of minors

YES

Health facility (excluding closed and covered collective workspaces without public reception such as an operating room)

NO, unless the person in charge of the premises decides otherwise

Enclosed and covered public place (restaurant, cafe, shopping center, nightclub, etc.)

NO, unless the person in charge of the premises decides otherwise

Collective workplace without public reception

YES

Collective workplace with public welcome

NO, unless the person in charge of the premises decides otherwise

Individual Office

NO, unless the person in charge of the premises decides otherwise

Children's playground (park, public garden, etc.)

NO

The person in charge of the premises through the may decide to extend the prohibition to vape to all premises under his responsibility.

Please note

A hotel room is considered a private place. The ban on vaping is based on a decision of the head of the establishment.

It is forbidden to vape at the wheel from the moment when the electronic cigarette, held in the hand, prevents a good driving.

Indeed, a driver must be able to drive safely at all times: he must be able to perform all useful maneuvers related to driving easily and without delay.

The penalty for electronic cigarettes while driving is therefore at the discretion of law enforcement.

No, there listing for sale, the sale, the distribution or thefree offer disposable electronic cigarettes (the “ puffs ’) are prohibited.

These prohibitions apply to devices that cannot be recharged with liquid, whether or not their battery is rechargeable.

The penalty for this obligation is a fine of €100,000.

Sanctions against the person responsible for the premises

The person in charge of the premises is liable to a fine of up to €450 if he does not put the signage provided recalling the principle of the prohibition of vaping.

FYI  

The employer must ensure that health and safety of its workers implementing prevention, information and training measures.

Sanctions against the user

Vaping in a public place is punishable by a fine of up to €750.

Several people can act in case of violation of the rules related to vaping.

Labor inspection control officer or equivalent control officer

A screening officer labor inspection or a similar control officer may find violations of the vaping ban. In this case, he draws up a report in duplicate, one of which is sent to the prefect of the department and the other is deposited at the parquet.

Officer of the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF)

DGCCRF officers are competent to investigate and detect various offenses related to vaping devices (examples: non-compliance with a maximum nicotine content, prohibition of certain additives, prohibition of advertising for all vaping products).

You can contact the DGCCRF by calling ResponseConso.

Who shall I contact

  • 0809 540 550 DGCCRF - ConsoResponse

    Are you experiencing a problem following a purchase? Do you have a question on a point of law before buying or ordering?

    You can get an answer from an agent of the DGCCRF: titleContent by calling the 0809,540,550.

    Opening hours of the service:

    Number not overtaxed

    • Monday and Tuesday: from 8.30am to 12.30pm and from 1.15pm to 5.15pm
    • Wednesday: from 1:15 pm to 5:15 pm
    • Thursday: from 8:30 to 12:30
    • Friday: from 8:30 am to 4 pm

Employee

A person who wants lodge a complaint must address the public prosecutor or the police station to make a statement. The offense must be established by a judicial police officer. He may enter the company only with the authorization of the employer or after receiving a warrant from an investigating judge.

Some associations

Associations declared for at least 5 years at the time of the facts, whose statutes provide for the fight against smoking, may civil party.

The same applies to approved consumer associations and family associations affiliated to the National Union of Family Associations (Unaf).