Washington RCW 26.28.080 sets the minimum age for purchasing tobacco and vapor products at 21, aligning with federal Tobacco 21 standards statewide.
Under RCW 26.28.080, it is a gross misdemeanor to sell, give, or furnish tobacco products, vapor products, or tobacco substitutes to any person under 21 years of age. Retailers must verify the age of any purchaser appearing under 30 using a valid government-issued photo identification. The law applies to cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, vapor products, and accessories. Washington raised the minimum age from 18 to 21 effective January 1, 2020. Civil penalties under RCW 70.155 also apply to retailers who repeatedly sell to minors, with escalating fines and license suspension. Local jurisdictions may not lower the minimum age but may add complementary enforcement programs.
Violations are gross misdemeanors with fines up to $5000 and jail time up to 364 days. RCW 70.155 imposes additional civil penalties of $200 to $1500 plus permit suspension.
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See how Bellingham's tobacco age restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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