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Tobacco and Vaping Laws in New Jersey

How New Jersey law treats smoking and vaping age, from the state code and official state agencies.

Short answer: The minimum age to buy tobacco products and electronic smoking devices (vapes) is 21. Selling or giving cigarettes, any tobacco, an e-cigarette or vape or its components, or a cannabis item to a person under 21 is a petty disorderly persons offense punished by a fine (twice that fine for… N.J.S. 2C:33-13.1; N.J.S. 2A:170-51.4

Smoking and vaping ageThe minimum age to buy tobacco products and electronic smoking devices (vapes) is 21. Selling or giving cigarettes, any tobacco, an e-cigarette or vape or its components, or a cannabis item to a person under 21 is a petty disorderly persons offense punished by a fine (twice that fine for a repeat), and sellers also face civil penalties of at least $500 for a first violation, $1,000 for a second and $2,000 for each later one, plus possible suspension or revocation of a retail tobacco license. A false ID shown by the buyer is a defense.
Civil penalties: https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll?xhitlist_vq=2A%3A170-51.4&f=xhitlist&xhitlist_q=%5BRank+100%5D%5BDomain%3A+2A%3A170-51.4%5D2A%3A170-51.4&xhitlist_x=advanced&xhitlist_s=relevance-weight&xhitlist_mh=99999&xhitlist_hc=%5BXML%5D%5BKwic%2C400%5D&xhitlist_xsl=xhitlist.xsl&xhitlist_vpc=first&xhitlist_vps=20&xhitlist_sel=title%3Bpath%3Brelevance-weight%3Bcontent-type%3Bhome-title%3Bitem-bookmark%3Btitle-path%3Bhit-context&vid=Publish%3A10.1048%2FEnu
Source: N.J.S. 2C:33-13.1; N.J.S. 2A:170-51.4

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FAQ

What is the smoking and vaping age in New Jersey?
The minimum age to buy tobacco products and electronic smoking devices (vapes) is 21. Selling or giving cigarettes, any tobacco, an e-cigarette or vape or its components, or a cannabis item to a person under 21 is a petty disorderly persons offense punished by a fine (twice that fine for a repeat), and sellers also face civil penalties of at least $500 for a first violation, $1,000 for a second and $2,000 for each later one, plus possible suspension or revocation of a retail tobacco license. A false ID shown by the buyer is a defense.

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.