A Guide to Vaping Etiquette: 11 Unwritten Rules to Follow

While vapers understand that vaping doesn't leave any bad odors behind or create ash non-vapers have no idea how vapes work. That’s why vapers need to be mindful of others when vaping, and that’s where good manners and etiquette come into play.

Table of Contents

1. Why Do We Need Vaping Etiquette?
2. Rule 1: First of All Ask For Permission
3. Rule 2: If Smoking Is Prohibited Vaping Most Likely is Too
4. Rule 3: Don’t Vape Around Children, Pets, or Pregnant Women
5. Rule 4: Don’t Vape in Confined Spaces
6. Rule 5: Keep Plumes of Vapor to a Minimum
7. Rule 6: In Cars and Automobiles
8. Rule 7: When Visiting Friends
9. Rule 8: Avoid Trying to Convert People into Vaping
10. Rule 9: Don’t Try To Stealth Vape
11. Rule 10: Vaping at the Dinner Table
12. Rule 11: Avoid Being a Snob
13. Conclusion

Why Do We Need Vaping Etiquette?

Although there are no public vaping etiquette laws set in place for everyone in the vaping world to follow, we believe some unwritten rules should know. While these rules are merely suggestions, they’re a good starting point for what could be considered good vaping etiquette.  

The more vapers that follow good vaping etiquette, the more accepted and more commonplace vaping will become, which will do wonders for its public image. 

Rule 1: First of All Ask For Permission

The golden rule of vaping etiquette, in our eyes, is to first ask for permission before you vape. This applies to any indoor space (and some outdoor spaces) you visit with your vape. Whether it’s a bar, restaurant, or office, the polite thing to do is ask if you can vape.  

Rule 2: If Smoking Is Prohibited Vaping Most Likely is Too

This one is simple if smoking is prohibited, then vaping is most likely banned too. Again, here you can ask, but many states in the United States equate smoking to vaping, so they have the same smoking regulations.

Rule 3: Don’t Vape Around Children, Pets, or Pregnant Women

Because many people equate smoking to vaping it’s crucial not to vape around children, pets, and pregnant women. This is because it is still unknown how the vapor from a vape can affect them. And since there are no studies, it is best to play it safe and not vape if they are near.

Rule 4: Don’t Vape in Confined Spaces

If you’re in a small space like a waiting room, elevator, or airplane, it’s best not to vape. In confined spaces like this, you can expect people to get irked more easily by vape clouds, which they might confuse for cigarette smoke.

Rule 5: Keep Plumes of Vapor to a Minimum

While vaping the most significant clouds possible is encouraged in vaping competitions, when you’re out and about in the real world, it’s best to keep plumes of vapor to a minimum. This is because they might end up invading a person’s personal space and make them feel as if you directly blew the vapor in their face, which, no matter where you live, will always be rude. So to maintain good vaping etiquette when you’re out and about and keep your clouds to a minimum. 

Rule 6: In Cars and Automobiles

In taxis and Ubers again, you could ask, but most commonly, the answer will depend on how knowledgeable about vaping the driver is. If they understand that there is no chance of burning the seats or leaving foul odors behind, they might allow you to vape. But again, since these are small spaces, it’s best not to vape. The same thing applies to buses or trains.

Rule 7: When Visiting Friends

When you’re visiting friends in their homes or apartments, again, it’s best to ask before vaping. Most likely, if you can inform them that no odors are left behind, they will let you vape indoors or point you to their balcony if they have one. A very polite thing to do is offer to go outside.

Rule 8: Avoid Trying to Convert People into Vaping

This rule is necessary because nobody wants to get preached at. Smokers, just like you have a right to do what they deem most appropriate, if this means smoking cigarettes, you must let them. However, if they are curious about why you vape and the possible benefits that come with vaping (for example, saving money), then by all means, explain to them your point of view without lecturing and to educate and inform them. 

Rule 9: Don’t Try To Stealth Vape

This one is important because if you get caught, you’ll not only give vapers a bad name, but you can face some pretty hefty fines. We understand that it is hard to keep your nicotine cravings at bay, so if you must vape, consider going outside or heading to a smoking area.

Rule 10: Vaping at the Dinner Table

If you find yourself at a dinner party and the host has allowed you to vape indoors, consider excusing yourself away from the table before vaping. This is because, even if you have been allowed to vape indoors, you might spoil the food for someone at the table with your vape juice’s aroma. Just like with flavors, scents are subjective and depend on each person. So while you might think your vanilla custard vape smells amazing, somebody at the table might disagree. 

Rule 11: Avoid Being a Snob

This is more of a rule for vapers within the vaping community. Everyone at one point was a beginner, so looking down upon someone who uses a simple e-cig or a pod system like a JUUL instead of a custom-made mechanical mod is plain rude. Be helpful and try to see their point of view; not everybody wants the maintenance that goes into taking care of a custom-made vape. 

This also applies to people who are curious about vaping but have no experience on the subject. If you’re a vaper, try not to be condescending and instead offer to teach them all about vaping, the last thing you want to do is be a snob to someone genuinely interested in leaving cigarettes behind. 

Conclusion

When vaping out in the real world, remember to use common sense. As stated before, not everyone understands vaping and how it works. However, by practicing good etiquette, we can mitigate the reactions and opinions people have of vapers and usually change their minds.