rhode island laws

[providence]

“Smoking” means inhaling, exhaling, burning or carrying any lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe, weed,plant, or other combustible substance in any manner or in any form; provided, however, that smoking shall not include burning during a religious ceremony.

I don't think one could say the e-cigarette is a "lighted cigarette" but does the "vaporization" of the nicotine make it a "combustible substance"?

[Rockbassray]

No, the Vaporization does not use any flame, and nothing is burned.. Imagine if you can a super duper mini smoke machine at a concert.. Similar concept just the size of a cigarette.

[yvilla]

The key word in that definition is "lighted". It applies to all of the possible combustible substances being referred to. So no matter whether our liquid is conceiveably combustible or not - it is not being lighted (ie combusted) in our devices, so it does not fit the definition of smoking you quoted.

[phillydes]

I don't think one could say the e-cigarette is a "lighted cigarette" but does the "vaporization" of the nicotine make it a "combustible substance"?

I don't know the letter of the law, but combustible to me means that an item is flamable or stays lit or ignited. Such as a cigarette, pipe, incense, etc... I don't believe an e-cigs would fall into this category as it doesn't ignite or flame. Just my opinion though.

[Rockbassray]

We would need the exact law quoted here or a link so that we can read it fully.. Another idea would be asking the state exactly what this includes.

[surbitonPete]

In a concentrated flame the Glycerine does seem to have a certain amount of flammability but it goes out as soon as the heat is removed ........I am sure if you poured e-liquid onto a fire it would put it out rather than burn so I don't think it could be called a combustible substance.

[providence]

We would need the exact law quoted here or a link so that we can read it fully..

Well, the original quote in this post is how the State of Rhode Island defines "smoking" under its smoking bans.

Another idea would be asking the state exactly what this includes.

Well, this being Rhode Island they'll be very vague in any response. Our state prefers to make things up as we go along. Specific rules, laws, and even explanations are only passed when unavoidable.
Heck, we were the last state in New England to go "smoke free" and even then the rules were so vague as to what venues were and weren't covered that it took a year full of lawsuits and countersuits before the State finally just banned it practically everywhere.

The only way to really know is to get caught using it.
Best case scenario is cops show up and say you're fine to use it.
Worst case scenario is cops show up and think you're "being a smart guy" for using such a thing and pummel you with their nightstick.

Rhode Island is a strange land...