What are the laws and fines around SMOKING and VAPING in a London taxi?

Smoking, e-cigarettes and vaping are not allowed at any time in a London black cab. This includes both the driver and passengers, and a maximum fine of £200 may be imposed on those found to be breaking this rule.

The no smoking policy is similar nationwide and is in accordance with the law, which prohibits smoking in enclosed public places, workplaces, and vehicles.

This extends to electronic cigarettes and vape sticks, which are also not allowed in licensed private hire and taxi vehicles.

Helen Chapman, TfL Taxi and Private Hire General Manager, said back in 2015: “Through discussions with taxi and private hire trade representatives we have been made aware of concerns that private hire drivers are smoking in licensed vehicles.

“It is against the law the law to smoke in virtually all enclosed public places, workplaces and public and work vehicles. This means that smoking is not allowed by anyone in a private hire vehicle (or taxi) at any time. This includes the driver, even if the vehicle is not being used for hire and reward at that time.

“Licensed private hire and taxi vehicles are also required to display no smoking signage.

“Drivers or passengers found to be smoking in a licensed private hire or taxi vehicles may be subject to a fixed penalty notice of £50, or a maximum fine of £200 if prosecuted and convicted by a court."

Chapman added: “We have also been asked to clarify the position regarding electronic cigarettes. The TfL No-Smoking Policy includes e-cigarettes and vape sticks which have been prohibited on all rail, underground and bus services. This has also been extended to include taxi and private hire services.”