Dallas, TX Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Doorway buffer
- Fifteen feet from entrances, windows
- Bars covered since
- 2017 expansion ordinance
- E-cigarettes
- Treated same as smoking
- Parks and trails
- Smoke-free citywide
- Max fine
- Up to $500 per violation
Summary
Dallas City Code Chapter 41B prohibits smoking in restaurants, bars, public parks, libraries, and within fifteen feet of doorways, windows, or air intakes of enclosed public places, including e-cigarettes citywide since 2018 amendments.
Sec. 161.081. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:(1) "Cigarette" has the meaning assigned by Section 154.001, Tax Code.(1-a) (A) "E-cigarette" means:(i) an electronic cigarette or any other device that simulates smoking by using a mechanical heating element, battery, or electronic circuit to deliver nicotine or other substances to the individual inhaling from the device; or(ii) a consumable liquid solution or other material aerosolized or vaporized during the use of an electronic cigarette or other device described by this subdivision, regardless of whether the liquid solution or material contains nicotine.(B) The term "e-cigarette" does not include a prescription medical device, prescription medication, or other prescribed substance unrelated to the cessation of smoking.(C) The term "e-ci...
Full Breakdown
Chapter 41B is one of the strongest Texas smoke-free ordinances. The 2008 ordinance covered restaurants and most workplaces; a 2017 expansion added bars, billiard halls, and bingo parlors. Smoking is banned in all public parks, trails, plazas, libraries, transit stops, outdoor patios serving food, and within fifteen feet of any enclosed public-place entrance, operable window, or ventilation intake. E-cigarettes and vaping are treated identically under 2018 amendments. Property owners must post compliant signage and remove ashtrays. Dallas Code Compliance enforces. Hookah lounges have a narrow grandfather exemption that is being phased out.
Violations & Fines
Smoking in covered locations: fines up to $500 per violation. Property owners failing to post signs, remove ashtrays, or stop violations face separate citations. Each day is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke on a restaurant patio in Dallas?
Does the ordinance apply to vaping and e-cigarettes?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas
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Outdoor Smoking Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle outdoor smoking restrictions.