Everyone is familiar with the automated “no smoking” announcement, but many people might not know what the actual consequences are of vaping on public transport in London. Smoking has been banned on TfL services since the 1980s and its latest electronic alternative has not always been banned on all TfL services.
We have put together everything you need to know about vaping on TfL services. the reason for the “stealth ban” in the first place, how it’s come into force across all of London transport over time and whether you can actually be prosecuted or given an on-the-spot fine for vaping and even the differences between how TFL deals with it on the Tube as opposed to buses.
“See it, Say it, Sorted” is the safety mantra for keeping railway passengers safe by reporting unusual items or activity, so what’s the action plan when it comes to vaping on London buses, trains and trams?
What is TfL’s vaping policy?
In a recent FOI request about vaping complaints and safety incidents, TFL confirmed their policy. It is stated on page four of TFL’s “conditions of carriage” policy document which covers everything from TFL’s rules on roller skates and scooters to vaping.
TFL states, “on our buses, trams and trains, in our bus and rail stations and on tram platforms you must not smoke or use an electronic cigarette (‘vape’)”. If you smoke or vape on any of TFL’s premises or services, TFL say you are breaching their conditions of carriage.
So what exactly happens to me if I’m caught vaping?
TFL reiterates that as well as smoking and vaping being prohibited, where safe to do so, staff will “ask offenders to either stop of leave the station/service”.
They add that police will also be called to deal with offenders who refuse to cooperate, are abusive or threaten TFL staff and other customers. This applies to alcohol consumption and vaping as well as smoking.
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Has anyone ever been in serious trouble for vaping on London buses or trains?
In addition to emphasising the basic rules regarding vaping and smoking on the underground, TFL responded to the FOI requests for vaping complaints, safety incidents and prosecutions.
“Our staff, where safe to do so, will ask offenders to either stop or leave the station/service. Police will also be called to deal with offenders who refuse to cooperate, are abusive, or threaten our staff and other customers. This also applies to the consumption of alcohol or vaping on our services.”
They report receiving a grand total of 204 complaints about vaping on TfL services. From the last couple of years, 2025 takes second place with 52 complaints so far. Within the data representing July 2022 to June 2025, in 2022 they recieved just 26 followed by a whopping rise to 75 in 2023.
In an earlier FOI request from May 2025, TFL explained that they “cannot prosecute passengers for vaping on buses because vaping is not included in the current legislation that would allow for prosecution.”
In response to a 2019 FOI request, with regards to the tube and underground, TFL clarified that it “does not issue on-the-spot fines for passengers found smoking or vaping on tube or rail service.” However, adding that police are called to deal with those who refuse to cooperate, are abusive or threaten staff or others. Passengers can “ultimately be prosecuted for the offence and, if convicted, may be fined via the courts.”
When and why was the ban introduced?
When it comes to vaping, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact reason for the hard ban across TFL, but the network-wide no smoking policy was introduced following the King’s Cross fire in 1987 which killed 27 people. Vapes differ from conventional cigarettes in many ways, so what’s been the deal with them being banned all across London transport?
Before August 2014, E-cigarettes were only forbidden on the Tube. However, after TFL’s “stealth ban” kicked in, the use of electronic cigarettes was banned on trains, buses, Tubes and stations across London, but not London bus stops.
A change in the “conditions of carriage” meant that passengers caught vaping at any TFL owned premises would potentially face a fine. The new rules stated: “For safety reasons, on our buses and trains and in our bus and Underground stations you must not smoke or use an electronic cigarette (‘vape’).”
“You may be prosecuted for disobeying these requirements. Passengers were to be given a verbal warning by staff and could be fined for repeat offences.
The new rules were put in place to “remove potential for confusion and allow staff to approach any customer either smoking or using an electronic smoking device”.
The ban would “mitigate any residual potential fire risk and reduce the potential for staff assault by providing clarity and consistency”, said Jill Collis, director of health, safety and environment at TfL.
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