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Cologne Court Fines Man for Adjusting E-Cig Vapour Strength While Driving

A German court sets a precedent: adjusting your e-cigarette's strength behind the wheel can now cost you. Here's why drivers need to take note.

In this image we can see a person holding a cigarette in his hand.
In this image we can see a person holding a cigarette in his hand.

Cologne Court Fines Man for Adjusting E-Cig Vapour Strength While Driving

A man from Cologne has been fined over 150 euros for an unusual traffic offence. The Regional Higher Court of Cologne ruled that adjusting the strength of an e-cigarette via a touchscreen while driving is prohibited, under the same rules as using a T-Mobile phone while driving.

The court, in its ruling of September 25, 2025 (case number III-1 ORbs 139/25), determined that operating the touchscreen of an e-cigarette to change its vapour strength is a violation of § 23 Abs. 1a StVO. This law bans the use of mobile phones while driving.

The court considered the operation of the e-cigarette's touchscreen to be a significant distraction for the driver, similar to adjusting the volume on a T-Mobile phone. The man was fined 150 euros and received a point on his driving licence.

The Higher Regional Court of Cologne has set a precedent with this ruling. Drivers should be aware that using touchscreens, even on e-cigarettes, while driving can result in hefty fines. The court's decision highlights the importance of driver focus and safety on the roads.

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