Is vaping legal in Illinois?

Yes. Vaping is legal in Illinois for adults 21+. The state has a 15% wholesale tax on vapor products, a statewide indoor vaping ban, but no statewide flavor ban. However, Chicago has banned flavored vapes.

Are flavored vapes legal in Illinois?

It depends on where you are. Illinois has no statewide flavor ban, so flavored vapes are legal in most of the state. However, Chicago banned flavored e-cigarettes in 2024, allowing only tobacco and menthol flavors within city limits.

What is the legal vaping age in Illinois?

You must be 21 or older to purchase vaping products in Illinois. The state adopted Tobacco 21 in 2019, aligning with federal law.

How much is the vape tax in Illinois?

Illinois imposes a 15% tax on the wholesale price of vapor products statewide. Chicago adds additional taxes including a $1.50 per unit tax on e-cigarettes. Cook County has its own additional taxes as well.

Can you vape indoors in Illinois?

No. The Smoke Free Illinois Act was amended in 2024 to include vaping. Vaping is now banned in all indoor public places and workplaces statewide, including restaurants, bars, and public transit.

Can you vape in Illinois state parks?

Policies vary by park. Some Illinois state parks have designated smoking/vaping areas, while others prohibit it entirely. Check with individual parks before vaping.

Can You Vape in Illinois? 2026 Laws, Chicago Rules & Tax Guide

Can You Vape in Illinois? The Short Answer

Yes, with moderate restrictions:

21+ age requirement - State and federal T21
15% wholesale tax statewide
Indoor vaping banned since 2024 (Smoke Free Illinois Act)
No statewide flavor ban - But Chicago bans flavors
Chicago extra taxes - Additional $1.50+ per unit
Online sales permitted with restrictions

Illinois is in the middle of the pack - not as strict as California or New York, but stricter than neighboring states. Chicago has its own additional restrictions.

Illinois Vaping Laws: The Legal Framework

Key Legislation

Law	Effect
Smoke Free Illinois Act (amended 2024)	Indoor vaping ban
Tobacco Products Tax Act	15% wholesale tax
Prevention of Tobacco Use by Minors Act	21+ age requirement
Chicago Municipal Code	City flavor ban, extra taxes
Cook County ordinances	Additional county taxes

Regulatory Bodies

Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) - Policy, enforcement
Illinois Department of Revenue - Taxation
Chicago Department of Public Health - City rules
Local health departments - Enforcement

Timeline of Changes

Date	Change
July 2019	Illinois adopts Tobacco 21
2020	15% wholesale tax implemented
January 2024	Indoor vaping ban (Smoke Free Illinois amendment)
2024	Chicago flavor ban enacted

The 2024 Indoor Vaping Ban

What Changed

Illinois amended the Smoke Free Illinois Act to include vapor products:

Now banned in:

All indoor workplaces
Restaurants and bars
Retail stores and malls
Hotels (common areas, most rooms)
Public transit and stations
Schools and universities
Healthcare facilities
Government buildings
Gaming facilities
Sports arenas and theaters

Exemptions

Limited exemptions may include:

Vape shops - For testing/sampling only
Tobacco stores - Age-restricted retail
Private clubs - Some restrictions
Hotel smoking rooms - If designated

Penalties

Violation	Penalty
Individual vaping in prohibited area	$100-$250 fine
Business allowing vaping	$250 first offense, up to $2,500
Repeat business violations	License suspension possible

Chicago's Flavor Ban

What Chicago Bans

Since 2024, Chicago prohibits the sale of:

Fruit-flavored vapes
Candy/dessert-flavored vapes
Mint-flavored vapes
Any flavor except tobacco and menthol

What's Legal in Chicago

Tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes
Menthol-flavored e-cigarettes
All hardware (devices, mods)
Unflavored/DIY supplies

Chicago vs. Rest of Illinois

Aspect	Chicago	Rest of Illinois
Flavors	Tobacco/menthol only	All flavors legal
Indoor ban	Yes	Yes
Age	21	21
Extra taxes	Yes ($1.50+ per unit)	State tax only

Enforcement

Chicago Department of Public Health conducts inspections
Fines for retailers selling banned products
License consequences for violations

Taxes in Illinois

State Tax

Tax	Rate
Vapor products wholesale tax	15%
State sales tax	6.25%

Chicago/Cook County Taxes

Tax	Rate
State wholesale tax	15%
Cook County e-cigarette tax	$0.20 per mL of liquid
Chicago e-cigarette tax	$1.50 per unit/container
Local sales tax	Up to 10.25% combined

Impact on Prices

In Chicago: A disposable vape that costs $15 elsewhere might cost $20-25 in Chicago after all taxes.

Downstate Illinois: Prices more moderate, only 15% wholesale + sales tax.

What Can You Buy in Illinois?

Statewide (Outside Chicago)

Available:

All flavored vapes
Disposables
Pod systems
E-liquids (all flavors, strengths)
Hardware

In Chicago

Available:

Tobacco and menthol flavors only
All hardware
DIY supplies

Pricing (Approximate)

Product	Downstate	Chicago
Disposable vape	$12-20	$18-28
Pod system	$30-50	$40-60
E-liquid 30mL	$18-28	$25-35
Pod refills (2-pack)	$15-22	$20-28

Where to Buy

Chicago:

Vape shops (tobacco/menthol only)
Tobacco stores
Some convenience stores

Springfield, Peoria, Rockford, other cities:

Vape shops (all flavors)
Tobacco retailers
Some gas stations

Online:

Ships to Illinois addresses
Full flavor selection (be aware of Chicago rules)
Age verification required

Where Can You Vape in Illinois?

Statewide Indoor Ban

Since January 2024, vaping is banned in:

All indoor public places
All indoor workplaces
Restaurants (indoor)
Bars (indoor)
Casinos and gaming facilities
Hotels (most areas)
Public transportation

Chicago Specific

Additional Chicago restrictions:

All indoor venues
CTA platforms and stations
Within 15 feet of building entrances (some buildings)
Parks - Many Chicago Park District properties

Beaches:

Chicago beach vaping rules vary
Many beaches prohibit smoking/vaping
Check posted signs

Outdoor Rules

Generally permitted:

Sidewalks (away from entrances)
Private property
Most outdoor areas
Parking lots

May be restricted:

Near building entrances (varies)
Outdoor dining areas (establishment policy)
Parks (check local rules)
Beaches (check posted rules)

University Campuses

University of Illinois - Tobacco-free campus including vapes
Northwestern - Smoke/vape-free
UIC - Smoke/vape-free
Most Illinois universities restrict vaping

Illinois vs. Neighboring States

State	Flavor Ban	Excise Tax	Indoor Ban	Age
Illinois	Chicago only	15% wholesale	Yes (2024)	21
Indiana	No	None	Limited	21
Wisconsin	No	5 cents/mL	Yes	21
Iowa	No	None	Yes	21
Missouri	No	None	Limited	21
Kentucky	No	$1.50/mL closed, 15% open	Yes	21

Illinois is stricter than Indiana and Missouri but more moderate than states with full flavor bans.

Online Purchasing

Shipping to Illinois

Most vendors ship to Illinois
Age verification required
Full flavor selection available
Chicago residents - May still receive flavors (enforcement focuses on retail)

Considerations

Chicago delivery - Technically flavored products can't be sold in city
State tax - May or may not be collected
Age verification - Required at checkout and often delivery
PACT Act - Applies to all tobacco/vape shipments

For Travelers

Driving Through Illinois

Don't vape in indoor rest stops
Gas stations - Outdoor only
I-55, I-57, I-90 corridors - Rest areas follow indoor ban

Flying Into Illinois

O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW):

No vaping inside terminals
Outdoor areas only
Duty-free has limited vape options

Regional airports:

Similar rules, outdoor only

Hotels

Most Chicago hotels are 100% smoke/vape-free
Downstate hotels may have smoking rooms (check)
Balconies may be permitted (ask)

Illinois Vaping Laws: Key Takeaways

21+ age requirement - State and federal law
15% wholesale tax statewide
Indoor vaping banned since January 2024
No statewide flavor ban - Flavors legal in most of Illinois
Chicago bans flavored vapes - Tobacco/menthol only in city
Chicago has extra taxes - $1.50+ per unit additional
Cook County taxes - Additional 20 cents per mL
Online sales available - Most vendors ship
University campuses - Generally tobacco/vape-free
Outdoor vaping generally permitted away from entrances

References

Looking for vaping laws in other states? Check our complete vaping laws guide for more locations.