California is cracking down on disposable vapes, and businesses that violate the new rules could face fines reaching $2,000. Under a new state law, businesses will eventually be prohibited from selling, distributing or offering certain single-use, battery-powered vaping devices for sale in California. The restrictions are being phased in, with the retail sales ban scheduled to begin January 1, 2028. The penalties will increase with repeated violations. Businesses can face a $500 civil penalty for a first violation, $1,000 for a second violation and $2,000 for a third or subsequent violation.
The law does not prohibit every type of vape, it specifically targets disposable vaporization devices containing tobacco products that are designed to be discarded rather than reused.
The $500 fine starts with the first violation
The new law gives California businesses time to prepare for the coming sales restriction, but it also establishes clear penalties for retailers that continue selling prohibited products after the ban takes effect. A first violation can result in a $500 fine, while subsequent violations become increasingly expensive. The maximum civil penalty reaches $2,000 for a third or later violation. The state, cities and counties can enforce the restrictions, meaning retailers across California could face penalties for selling covered disposable vaping devices after the deadline.
When California’s disposable vape ban takes effect
The changes will happen in two stages. Beginning January 1, 2027, California will prohibit the manufacture or import of new or refurbished covered disposable vaping devices for sale in the state. Then, on January 1, 2028, retailers will no longer be permitted to sell, distribute or offer those products for sale. That gives businesses through the end of 2027 to sell remaining inventory.
The law focuses on devices with built-in batteries that are not intended to be reused and are either not refillable, not rechargeable, or both. Reusable and rechargeable devices are not automatically prohibited under this particular law.
