Dallas City Council OKs Adding Vapes to Smoke Law

The Dallas City Council in Texas approved adding vaping to its smoke-free ordinance Wednesday, restricting vaping and e-cigarettes in parks. The ordinance mirrors existing restrictions on smoking in specific areas, including all indoor and enclosed spaces, within 15 feet of building entrances, and on park property.

The change also requires businesses, such as restaurants, hotels, and fitness centers, to update their signage to clearly state that both smoking and the use of electronic smoking devices are prohibited. The new ordinance, which takes effect Dec. 11, 2025, is punishable by a fine of up to $500.

“This ordinance fortifies the City’s commitment to restrict vaping in public spaces after collaboration with our community partners and identifying the negative health effects of vaping aerosol exposure,” said Interim City Manager Kimberly Tolbert, as reported by media. “This is an exciting day because the approval of the ordinance closes an important regulatory gap and better protects the health of our residents from the negative effects of electronic smoking devices.”

In March, the city council’s Parks Trails and the Environment committee requested that the Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability and the Environmental Commission recommend updating the city’s smoke-free ordinance to include vaping.