How Much Is the Fine for Vaping Indoors in Colombia in 2026?

Vaping in offices, bars, shopping centers, or any enclosed public space in Colombia carries strict legal consequences. However, the cost of violating the law is not a single flat rate. Colombian legislation separates the individual who uses the device from the establishment that allows it, applying distinct and severe financial sanctions to each party.

The Fine for Individual Vapers

According to Daniel Amado Murillo, a law professor at the Catholic University of Colombia, individuals caught vaping in enclosed spaces face a Type 3 fine under the National Police Code. This penalty is equivalent to up to 16 daily legal minimum wages.

In 2026, this individual fine ranges from COP 752,000 to COP 933,000. The final amount depends on concurrent infractions, the substance being vaped, and the specific location. For instance, penalties are significantly higher if the violation takes place inside schools or universities.

The Fine for Establishments and Businesses

The legal responsibility also falls heavily on the venue where the vaping occurs. Ana Gabriela Chaverra, an associate attorney at Galo Estudio Legal, highlights that Law 2354 of 2024 officially extended Colombia’s strict anti-tobacco regulations (originally established under Law 1335 of 2009) to electronic cigarettes and vapes.

Under this framework, local mayoral offices can penalize businesses with successive fines. These range from one monthly minimum wage up to 100 monthly minimum wages. Adjusted for Colombia’s 2026 minimum wage, these business penalties span from COP 1,750,905 to COP 175,090,500. This administrative sanction targets the property managers or business owners rather than the individual customer.

Vaping Demographics in Colombia

The push for stricter enforcement comes as vaping rates continue to climb. The Ministry of Health’s 2025 National Mental Health Survey measured e-cigarette use for the first time, revealing that 6.4% of Colombians aged 12 and older have vaped at least once.

This consumption is highly concentrated among specific demographics:

Age and Gender: Among young adults aged 18 to 44, usage rises to 12% for men and 6.7% for women.
Geography: Urban areas report a 7.0% usage rate compared to 4.2% in rural regions.
Socioeconomic Status: Vaping is more than twice as common in high-income neighborhoods (9.4% in strata 4, 5, and 6) than in lower-income areas (4.5% in strata 1, 2, and 3).

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.