Bringing Flavoured E Cigarette Vape Liquid into California

Question

Hi,

I am from the UK and I am travelling to California on holiday in just under two weeks. International return flight from London to LAX. Am visiting LA (staying in Beverly Hills for 8 nights but doing 8 days sightseeing all over LA during that time), then 3 nights in Anaheim for Disneyland and three nights in Huntington Beach. Am travelling with my daughter.

I don’t smoke but do vape. I was aware that vaping isn’t outright banned in the US so have only just now had a closer look at the situation, prior to my travel. There is no age issue with me as I am 58. I appreciate you cannot vape in public places etc etc. However I have just seen the new law which seems to have come into effect in January of this year, restricting the sale of flavoured e liquids in California. I only vape flavoured e liquid (raspberry flavour), and don’t particularly want to have to change to a tobacco flavoured one, or quit vaping entirely, at late notice, just for this holiday. I obviously don’t plan to sell any of it on my holiday, and don’t plan to attempt to buy any while there. However I was planning to bring X no of bottles of my usual (raspberry flavoured) e liquid with me, which I will purchase in the UK before leaving, purely for my own personal use while there on this holiday. I will comply with whatever rules the airline has for how to travel with this and my vape kit generally, and as I say, also with public place restrictions etc.

So, in terms of this new law, after a lot of Googling, I cannot quite find the answer I am looking for. But the best results seem to suggest that while it is now illegal for any person or retailer to sell flavoured e liquid in California, it doesn’t appear to be actually illegal to posses it or use it. Or bring it into California on a plane when arriving for holiday. However I am struggling to find any definitive confirmation of that. I obviously don’t want to get a fine etc for brining in prohibited items.

So that’s my question, despite the new retail ban on selling / purchasing these products in California, will I still be OK to bring my own with me and use it while on holiday (assuming I don’t break public space rules etc)?

While on the subject - is there any specific local counties or cities which ban vaping period, over and above the general no vaping in public places laws.

Any help with this greatly appreciated.

Richard.

Answer

Hi Richard,

You are correct that California recently passed a law restricting the sale of flavored e-cigarette liquids. The key point is that the law primarily targets retailers and manufacturers. There is no statewide law that prohibits an individual adult from possessing or using flavored e-liquids for personal use, even if purchased out of state. Therefore, bringing your own raspberry-flavored e-liquid for personal use on your holiday should not be illegal.

Here are some important considerations and tips:

Air travel rules: Make sure to follow airline and TSA regulations regarding carrying e-liquids in your hand luggage. Typically, liquids must be in containers of 100ml (3.4 oz) or less and stored in a clear quart-sized bag. Larger bottles should go in checked baggage if allowed, but check airline-specific rules.
Personal use only: The law restricts sales, not possession, so as long as you are not distributing, selling, or giving your e-liquid to anyone else, you are compliant.
Public vaping restrictions: California already prohibits vaping in many indoor public places, workplaces, public transport, and some outdoor public areas. Cities and counties may have additional local restrictions, especially in parks or beaches.
Local variations: While most of Los Angeles County and Orange County follow the statewide restrictions, some municipalities may have stricter rules regarding vaping in public or near children’s areas. For example:
- Beverly Hills: follows general California rules, with vaping prohibited in indoor public areas.
- Los Angeles city: similar restrictions, with some parks having additional no-vaping zones.
- Disneyland/Disney property (Anaheim): no vaping allowed on the property, including e-cigarettes.
- Huntington Beach: generally follows statewide rules, with some restrictions at public beaches.

Summary:

Bringing your own flavored e-liquid for personal use is legal in California; the retail ban does not apply to personal possession.
Follow TSA and airline rules for transporting liquids and vaping devices.
Do not attempt to sell or give away your e-liquid.
Observe all public vaping restrictions in cities, parks, and private properties.

In short, you should be fine bringing your raspberry-flavored e-liquid for your personal use during your California trip, provided you comply with the above rules. Enjoy your holiday and sightseeing with your daughter!

Bringing Flavoured E Cigarette Vape Liquid into California

More Los Angeles Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions