Tag: e-cigarettes ban

Vaping in public will soon be banned across Dallas.

The change follows a City Council vote to add e-cigarettes and vape pens to the city’s rules banning traditional smoking in public spaces.

City officials say the update is about protecting public health as concerns rise over secondhand vapor.

The new rule takes effect December 10. Here’s what to know.

Why is Dallas banning vaping?

Leaders said the change is meant to limit how much secondhand vapor people breathe in when others use e-cigarettes nearby.

Studies have found that vapor can contain nicotine, metals and other harmful chemicals, even for those who aren’t vaping .

The Dallas Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability also raised concerns about the environment.

Disposable vapes and cartridges often end up as litter, and their batteries or leftover liquid can leak into soil and water.

Council members pointed to youth vaping as another reason for the ban.

More than 1.6 million middle and high school students across the country use e-cigarettes, according to the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As part of the change, businesses will need to update their “No Smoking” signs to make it clear that vaping isn’t allowed.

Where is vaping no longer allowed in Dallas?

The new rule bans vaping in most of the same places where smoking is already off-limits, including:

• Bars and restaurants
• Workplaces
• Parks
• Public transportation
• Within 15 feet of any building entrance

So if you couldn’t smoke there before, you can’t vape there now either.

What counts as a vape under the law?

The rule covers any electronic smoking device that uses heat, a battery, or another method to produce vapor.

That includes e-cigarettes, vape pens, and similar devices used to inhale nicotine or flavored liquids.

What happens if someone vapes in a restricted area?

Violating the ordinance can lead to a fine of up to $500, according to the city.

Business owners could also face fines if they don’t post the required signs or fail to stop people from vaping inside their establishments.

Does Fort Worth have a similar vaping ban?

Yes. Several major cities, including Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, already have similar rules.

Dallas’ update brings it in line with those ordinances.

Fort Worth added vaping to its smoking ban in 2018, and Austin and Houston approved their own updates years earlier.

What’s next for Dallas residents, businesses?

City officials said they’ve started spreading the word about the new rules through local media, water bill inserts, DART buses, and digital signs.

More outreach is expected through early 2026 to help make sure residents and business owners know what’s changing.