Federal Tobacco 21 (PL 116-94) and Texas Health and Safety Code section 161.082 ban sale of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapor products, and any tobacco to anyone under 21 in Dallas County. Active-duty military with ID 18 or older are exempt under state law.
Federal law since December 2019 sets the minimum age for tobacco purchase at 21. Texas Health and Safety Code 161.082, amended by Senate Bill 21 (2019), matches that standard for all tobacco, e-cigarettes, and vapor products. Retailers must verify ID for any buyer who appears under 30. The single Texas exemption is active-duty military with proper ID who are 18 or older. Dallas County Health and Human Services and the Texas Comptroller run undercover compliance checks at unincorporated retailers. Cities like Dallas, Garland, and Irving conduct their own stings. Vending machines selling tobacco are banned outside age-restricted bars under section 161.084. Dallas County cannot lower the age below 21.
Selling tobacco or vape products to a buyer under 21 is a Class C misdemeanor under Health and Safety Code 161.082, with fines up to five hundred dollars per sale, plus state permit suspension after repeat violations and possible revocation.
Dallas County, TX
The Texas Comptroller issues all tobacco and e-cigarette retail permits under Health and Safety Code chapter 161 and Tax Code chapter 154. Dallas County has ...
Dallas County, TX
Texas House Bill 1771 (2023), codified at Health and Safety Code section 161.0876, preempts cities and counties from restricting flavored tobacco, menthol ci...
Dallas County, TX
Texas has no statewide outdoor smoking ban; the Smoke-Free Workplace framework reaches indoor public places only. Dallas County does not regulate outdoor smo...
See how Dallas County's tobacco age restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.