Vaping drivers could face £5,000 fine and nine points on their licence

The Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit warned that the smoke emitted by e-cigarettes is a potential distraction that can have "dire" consequences for drivers

Motorists are being cautioned that vaping while driving could land them with a hefty £5,000 fine and points on their licence. Although not illegal, vaping can impair visibility significantly, which breaches the Road Traffic Act.

The Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit has highlighted the dangers of e-cigarette vapour as a distraction that could lead to "dire" outcomes. GB News shared the police warning: "All it takes is a moment to become distracted and potentially cause a crash or, even worse, a fatality. There are no laws prohibiting vaping. However, you need to be in full and proper control of your vehicle at all times."

"Firstly, any person who is distracted in any way could be guilty of an offence – whether that be smoking, vaping, eating, etc. In investigations that we conduct, any distraction would need to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis."

Under section three of the Road Traffic Act, driving without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for others using the road is an offence.

Thus, anything that hinders a driver's view, including smoke from vapes or cigarettes, could result in prosecution, reports the Mirror.

Distracted driving offences could result in a hefty £5,000 fine and three to nine points on the offender's licence. The Metropolitan Police also lists other examples of careless driving that could be considered dangerous, including various distractions.

Furthermore, failing to inform the DVLA about any medical conditions that could impair your driving could put you at risk of a fine or even losing your licence.