Where can you vape in France in 2026? At work, in a car, on trains, at stations, in restaurants...

In France, vaping is not prohibited everywhere. In 2026, the national ban applies in particular to educational establishments, places accommodating minors, enclosed public transport, and certain collective workplaces. In other places, such as a restaurant or an individual office, the person in charge may nevertheless decide to prohibit vaping.

Here is a practical overview to avoid confusion between a legal ban and internal regulations.

Where is vaping prohibited in 2026?

Can you vape at work?

In an enclosed and covered collective workspace without public access, the answer is no. For an individual office or a place open to the public, national regulations do not create the same automatic ban, but the employer may extend the ban through the internal regulations.

In practice, you should therefore check the signs and the company's rules before vaping.

Can you vape on a train, subway, or bus?

Not on enclosed public transport. This includes trains, subways, buses, and other enclosed public transport.

For stations or open spaces, the situation depends on the specific location, the operator's rules, and the signage. An internal rule may be stricter than the national ban.

Can you vape in a restaurant or café?

Unlike smoking, national vaping regulations do not automatically prohibit electronic cigarettes in all restaurants, cafés, shopping centers, or nightclubs. However, the person in charge of the establishment may prohibit it. In practice, many establishments choose this option.

What about in a car?

Vaping while driving is not absolutely prohibited, but the driver must remain able to perform all necessary maneuvers without delay. Holding or handling an electronic cigarette may therefore result in a fine if it interferes with driving.

Can a ban be stricter than the law?

Yes. The person in charge of an establishment or the employer may extend the vaping ban to all premises under their responsibility. This is why on-site signage remains important.

Choosing discreet equipment for situations where vaping is allowed

When vaping is allowed, a compact device designed for an MTL or moderate RDL draw may produce less vapor than powerful DL equipment. To understand these differences, see our MTL, RDL, and DL guide as well as the electronic cigarette kits collection.

FAQ

Can you vape in your individual office?

There is no same automatic national ban as in an enclosed collective workplace, but the employer may prohibit it.

Can you vape on a station platform?

You must check the operator's rules and the location's signage. An internal rule may prohibit vaping even when there is no general national ban for that specific space.

Can you vape in a hotel room?

A hotel room is treated as a private place, but the hotel may prohibit vaping in its terms or regulations.

Sources

Regulations verified through Service-Public.fr – Vaping ban, updated July 20, 2026.

Vaping is not risk-free, and products containing nicotine are addictive. They are intended for adults only.