Tobacco and nicotine age limits in Victoria (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: In Victoria tobacco products and vaping goods may not be sold to anyone under 18. Smoking and vaping are banned in enclosed workplaces, and smoking is banned in a vehicle with a person under 18. Nicotine pouches may not be sold from 24 July 2026.

RuleWhat applies
Minimum age to buy tobaccoTobacco and nicotine products18 years [1]
Minimum age to buy e-cigarettesTobacco and nicotine products18 years [1]
Nicotine pouchesTobacco and nicotine productsSale banned [2]
Smoking ban in indoor public placesTobacco and nicotine productsYes [1]
Smoking ban on public transportTobacco and nicotine products⚠ Not yet verified
E-cigarettes in indoor public placesTobacco and nicotine productsYes. In the Tobacco Act 1987 'smoke' includes using a vaping device to generate or release an aerosol or vapour, so the ban on smoking in enclosed workplaces covers vaping. [1]
Smoking in cars with childrenTobacco and nicotine productsSmoking is banned in a motor vehicle, whether or not it is moving, if another person under 18 is present in the vehicle. 'Smoke' includes using a vaping device. [1]
Flavoured tobacco and e-cigarettesTobacco and nicotine productsYes. Commonwealth law, which applies in Victoria, bans tobacco products that contain flavouring additives, menthol or menthol derivatives, fruit, spices, sugars or sweeteners, synthetic cooling agents, or a device such as a card, capsule or bead that alters flavour. [3]

Notes

  • Section 12 of the Tobacco Act 1987 also bans buying a tobacco product or vaping goods for a person under 18.
  • The Act's age limit covers vaping goods. Vaping goods are in practice available only through pharmacies under Commonwealth law; this value is the age limit in the Tobacco Act, not a statement of who may be supplied.
  • The TGA states that from 24 July 2026 there is no lawful pathway to buy or import nicotine pouches in Australia, and that retail sale, including online, is illegal. This is Commonwealth law and applies in this jurisdiction; state or territory law may add further controls, which were not checked. The page was read as an Internet Archive snapshot of 17 July 2026 because the live page could not be reached.
  • The ban is framed around enclosed workplaces (an area, room or premises substantially enclosed by a roof and walls where an employee or self-employed person works); residential premises and some other places are excluded, and further rules apply to outdoor areas.
  • The Tobacco Act 1987 does not mention public transport; any rule on public transport is in other legislation, which was not read.
  • Section 3 defines smoke to include using a vaping device to generate or release an aerosol or vapour.
  • Section 5S of the Tobacco Act 1987; the penalty is 5 penalty units.
  • The ban is Commonwealth law and applies Australia-wide to tobacco products.

Sources

  1. Victorian Government (Victorian Legislation): Tobacco Act 1987, Authorised Version No. 104 (incorporating amendments as at 9 September 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA): Nicotine pouches (Internet Archive snapshot of 17 July 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Federal Register of Legislation (Commonwealth): Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Regulations 2024 (compilation 2, 21 March 2026) (consulted 15 October 2026) · all sources

National rules that also apply

These rules are set at national level in Australia and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for Australia

Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes18 years (source: Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA))
Nicotine pouchesSale banned (source: Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA))

More rules in Victoria

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and roads up to 60 km/h · Minimum age: 16
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence; small amounts max 5 penalty units · Growing at home: Banned
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, CDS Vic · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 18 (probationary licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Any amount of THC is an offence · THC threshold: Any amount of THC
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licensed only)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, if living in Victoria under 6 months · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Convert if living in Victoria 6+ months
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Registration required · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Controlled weapon; excuse needed · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick and butterfly knives prohibited
  • Motorcycles: helmets and licencesHelmet required for the rider: Yes · Helmet required for a passenger: Yes
  • Paid holidayMinimum paid leave a year (weeks): 4 weeks (5 for some shiftworkers) · Minimum paid leave as the law states it: 4 weeks a year; extra week for some shiftworkers
  • Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Mounted/built-in only; L/P: none
  • Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
  • Smoke alarms in homesSmoke alarm legally required in homes: Yes, all homes · Minimum alarms and where: One per level, plus by bedrooms
  • Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
  • Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.