Tobacco and Vapes for Minors
Wis. Stat. 254.92 — the state line is 18, and buying for a minor gets steeper each time
No person under 18 years of age may buy, try to buy or possess any cigarette, nicotine product or tobacco product, or lie about their age to get one, except to resell it at work for a retailer or as part of a sanctioned compliance check. An officer seizes any that were sold to and are held by someone under 18.
Who handles this in Wisconsin: State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral Service; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Wisconsin directory.
| Buying for someone under 18 | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Buying for someone under 18No earlier violation within 30 months | PenaltyA forfeiture of not more than $500 |
| Buying for someone under 18One earlier violation within 30 months | PenaltyA fine of not more than $500, up to 30 days, or both |
| Buying for someone under 18Two earlier violations within 30 months | PenaltyA fine of not more than $1,000, up to 90 days, or both |
| Buying for someone under 18Three or more | PenaltyA fine of not more than $10,000, up to 9 months, or both |
This page covers the state statute, whose age is 18. Federal law sets its own minimum age for sales, which is not covered here. A particular charge is a question for a licensed Wisconsin attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- Wis. Stat. 254.92 — Purchase or possession of cigarettes or tobacco products by persons under 18
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Wisconsin attorney.