Seattle, WA Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- RCW 70.160
- Entrance setback
- 25 feet
- Parks rule
- All parks smoke-free
- Vapor included
- Yes (RCW 70.345)
- Park ban
- Up to 1 year
Summary
Washington's Smoking in Public Places Act (RCW 70.160) bans smoking and vaping inside public places and within 25 feet of entrances, while Seattle SMC 10.30 and Parks rules add bans in parks, beaches, playgrounds, and on Metro transit property.
Chapter 70.160 RCW — SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES (Formerly: Washington clean indoor air act). Sections: 70.160.011 Findings — Intent — 2006 c 2 (Initiative Measure No. 901); 70.160.020 Definitions; 70.160.030 Smoking prohibited in public places or places of employment; 70.160.050 Owners, lessees to post signs prohibiting smoking; 70.160.060 Intent of chapter as applied to certain private workplaces; 70.160.070 Intentional violation of chapter — Removing, defacing, or destroying required sign — Fine — Notice of infraction — Exceptions — Violations of RCW 70.160.050 — Fine — Enforcement; 70.160.075 Smoking prohibited within twenty-five feet of public places or places of employment — Application to modify presumptively reasonable minimum distance; 70.160.080 Local regulations authorized; 70.160.100 Penalty assessed under this chapter paid to jurisdiction bringing action. Notes: Smoking in municipal transit vehicle, unlawful conduct: RCW 9.91.025.
Full Breakdown
RCW 70.160 prohibits smoking in indoor public spaces, places of employment, and within 25 feet of doors, windows, or vents to those spaces. Vapor products fall under the same setback (RCW 70.345.150). Seattle Parks adopted a 2010 rule banning smoking in all city parks, beaches, and playgrounds, enforceable as exclusion and fines under SMC 18.12. Metro and Sound Transit ban smoking on platforms and within 25 feet. King County prohibits flavored vapor product sales. Cannabis smoking in public is separately barred by I-502.
Violations & Fines
Smoking within 25 feet of an entrance is a Class 3 civil infraction with a $50 fine; park violations bring exclusion notices and fines up to $250. Repeat offenders may be banned from Seattle parks for one year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I vape on a sidewalk?
Are Seattle parks really 100% smoke-free?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Seattle
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Outdoor Smoking Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle outdoor smoking restrictions.