FDA-Approved Vape Technology Raising New Distracted Driving Concerns

TYLER, Texas (TXAN 24) — A newly FDA-authorized fruit-flavored vape device is raising concerns among safety experts after online searches tied to vaping while driving surged nationwide in just one week.

Research from Levine & Wiss found searches for “Bluetooth vape pairing while driving” jumped 840% following the FDA’s authorization of the Glas G2 vape device, which requires smartphone pairing and biometric identity verification to operate. Searches related to “vape face scan safety driving” also increased 610%.

The Glas G2 became the first fruit-flavored nicotine vape to receive federal marketing authorization in U.S. history. The device’s technology-driven features have sparked confusion among drivers over whether using the vape while operating a vehicle could violate distracted driving laws.

While no state specifically bans vaping while driving, distracted driving laws across the country can still apply if drivers take their hands off the wheel or eyes off the road to interact with devices.

Researchers also found searches for “vaping distracted driving laws 2026” rose 325% and searches regarding windshield fog and vapor glare climbed 310%.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving killed 3,275 Americans in 2023. Young adults ages 21 to 24 — the nation’s highest e-cigarette usage group — also remain among the highest-risk driving demographics.