No smoking signs are some of the most common signs in Australia, but picking the right one isn't always obvious. Do you need to mention vaping? Should the sign show a distance? And what about areas where smoking is a fire or explosion risk, not just a nuisance? This guide answers those questions.
Smoke-free laws differ between states, territories and councils, and they change from time to time. This guide is general information only. Check your state health department's website for the rules that apply to you.
1. General no smoking signs
For offices, shops, schools, clubs and any indoor area:
- No smoking sign: the classic red circle and slash.
- No smoking anywhere in this building: for building entries and lobbies.
- No smoking beyond this point: where a smoke-free area starts.
2. Include vaping
Most states now treat e-cigarettes the same way as cigarettes in smoke-free areas. Many businesses update their signs so there is no argument at the door.
- No smoking or vaping sign
- No smoking, vaping or e-cigarettes in this area
- No vaping sign: for places where vaping is the main problem, such as school toilets.
- No smoking or vaping beyond this point
3. Distance from entrances
Several states set a smoke-free distance around building entrances. For example, NSW law refers to 4 metres from a pedestrian access point to a public building, and Queensland refers to 5 metres from entrances to non-residential buildings. Councils may also set their own smoke-free areas. Choose the sign that matches your local rule:
- No smoking within 4 metres of this entrance
- No smoking or vaping within 4 metres of this entrance
- No smoking within 5 metres of this entrance
- No smoking within 10 metres of this area: for play areas, outdoor dining or sites with their own policy.
4. Where smoking is a fire or explosion risk
In fuel stores, gas cages, battery charging bays and chemical stores, a no smoking sign is a safety sign, not a courtesy. These usually use the red DANGER or yellow WARNING format so the hazard is clear.
- Danger: fuel storage, no smoking or open flames
- Danger: propane, no smoking or open flames
- Danger: battery charging station, no smoking: see also our lithium battery signage guide.
- Danger: oxygen, no smoking, no oil or grease: for medical and welding gas stores.
- Danger: switch off engine, no naked flames, no smoking: for refuelling points.
If you store dangerous goods, you may also need placards and other signs. See our Hazchem and GHS guide.
5. Combined signs
One sign can cover several rules, which keeps walls tidy:
- No smoking, no eating, no drinking in this area: for labs, clean rooms and food production.
- No smoking, vaping, pets, bikes, skateboards or scooters: for shopping centres, strata common areas and pool areas.
6. Smoke-free buildings, grounds and vehicles
- Smoke-free building, Smoke-free workplace and Smoke-free zone
- Smoke-free hospital grounds and No smoking or vaping on school grounds
- No smoking on balconies or in common areas for strata buildings
- No smoking or vaping in this vehicle for fleet cars, trucks and buses
- No smoking or vaping, children present
- No smoking or vaping, penalties apply
7. Designated smoking areas
Giving smokers a clear place to go is one of the best ways to keep entrances smoke-free.
- Designated smoking area and Designated smoking area with your location
- Smoking area (arrow) to point the way
- Smoking area ends here, no smoking beyond this point
- Designated smoking area, please use bin provided and Smoking area, please keep this area clean
- No smoking or vaping on site, designated area only
8. State prescribed signs
Some states set out the wording or symbols for no smoking signs in certain places. We stock state versions such as NSW no smoking, no vaping (Smoke-free Environment Act 2000), NSW no smoking area and QLD no smoking or vaping. Check with your state health department for what applies to your premises. Near play equipment, see our playground signs guide.
Need your own wording? Try No smoking or vaping with your own text.
More NSW signs: No smoking within 4 metres of entry or exit · No smoking within 4 metres of this area · No food to be consumed in this area (smoking area) · Smoking kills, call the Quitline (point of sale)
More Victorian signs: No smoking or vaping on premises and within 4 metres of entrance · Schools and childcare: no smoking within 4 metres of entrance · Within 10 metres of underage sporting events · Within 10 metres of food stalls
More Queensland signs: Outdoor eating or drinking place entrance · Public transport waiting point, within 5 metres · Patrolled beach, between the flags
Also popular: No smoking or vaping within 5 metres of this entrance · No smoking or vaping within 10 metres of this area · No smoking in this vehicle · No smoking, no naked flames · Refuelling area, no smoking, no vaping, no mobile phones · No smoking (Smoke-free Environment Act 2000)
Where to put no smoking signs
- At every entrance, facing people as they arrive.
- In outdoor areas where people tend to gather, such as loading docks, car parks and courtyards.
- On doors and walls of hazardous storage areas, at eye level.
Frequently asked questions
Which material should I choose?
Self-adhesive vinyl suits glass doors and smooth walls. Aluminium and ACP suit outdoor walls, fences and posts.
Can I add my own wording?
Yes. Our custom signs let you add your business name, a different distance or your own policy.
Shop no smoking and prohibition signs
Related: Playground signs guide
Looking for something else? Browse every guide in our Sign Guide Library.
