Can You Buy Cigarettes Online in Arizona? Here’s What to Know

Can I order cigarettes online in Arizona? Arizona law makes it illegal to buy cigarettes online. What might look like a simple purchase can lead to serious legal trouble. Many websites sell tobacco products across the country, but Arizona’s state law (A.R.S. § 36-798.06) bans residents from buying cigarettes and most tobacco products through the internet.

The rules are crystal clear about ordering cigarettes online in Arizona – it’s not allowed. The state’s law bans phone and mail orders for cigarettes and rolling tobacco. Arizona residents can only buy these products at local retail stores. Breaking these rules comes with harsh penalties. Anyone caught ordering tobacco products for delivery commits a felony offense. The state can fine violators and seize their purchases.

Some tobacco products don’t face these strict rules. Cigar and pipe tobacco buyers can still make online purchases legally. This piece explains Arizona’s tobacco laws, the risks of illegal online orders, and legal options that smokers have in the state.

Arizona Laws on Buying Cigarettes Online

Arizona takes a tough stand against online cigarette sales. The state bans buying cigarettes and most tobacco products without face-to-face interaction. Arizona Revised Statutes § 36-798.06 makes it illegal for anyone to buy tobacco products through mail, phone, internet, or electronic means – except licensed distributors or retailers who order from licensed distributors. Can I order cigarettes online in Arizona?

The state wants to stop underage people from getting tobacco products. Former Attorney General Tom Horne highlighted this issue, noting that “online sales of tobacco products are a major problem because no safeguards exist to ensure that children can’t buy them”.

Penalties for Violations

Arizona’s penalties for buying cigarettes online are harsh:

• Each order counts as a separate violation with civil penalties up to $5,000
• These violations count as Class 6 felonies
• Law enforcement can seize and destroy illegal purchases
• Buyers might have to pay extra state tobacco taxes

Shipping companies can’t knowingly transport tobacco products for people who break this law, which blocks most delivery options.

Some online retailers might tell you otherwise, but websites shipping cigarettes to Arizona addresses break state law. This applies even when sites like hellocigarettes.com advertise “free shipping worldwide” – sending cigarettes to Arizona is safe

So if you try ordering cigarettes online, you risk legal trouble and will probably never get your order because carriers must refuse these shipments.

The law does have some exceptions. Cigars and pipe tobacco aren’t restricted. On top of that, licensed distributors, government employees doing their jobs, and universities conducting research can bypass these rules.

Federal law made internet cigarette sales illegal nationwide in 2012, but Arizona’s tough rules and enforcement have been around longer.

What Happens If You Try to Order Cigarettes Online

Buying cigarettes online in Arizona can get you into serious legal trouble that most shoppers never see coming. Many people think they can order from websites like hellocigarettes.com that promise “free shipping worldwide.” This assumption could land them in hot water with the law.

The law classifies any online tobacco product order as a Class 6 felony under Arizona law. This criminal charge is nowhere near as minor as people think and could put you behind bars instead of just paying a fine. Each separate order counts as a new violation, so multiple purchases could stack up several felony charges.

You’ll face more than just criminal charges. The state can hit you with civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation. Arizona’s Department of Revenue has the power to seize all contraband cigarettes and tobacco products. The state takes ownership of these items and destroys them.

The enforcement system is detailed:

• The Department of Revenue runs criminal investigations that target tobacco tax evasion and contraband tobacco trafficking
• State law makes the department notify anyone with interest in the seized property
• You have 10 days after getting notice to request an administrative hearing

The penalties don’t stop there. Breaking online tobacco purchase laws opens you up to injunctions, investigation costs, expert witness fees, legal expenses, and attorney fees.

Arizona residents should stick to buying tobacco products from licensed stores to avoid these harsh penalties. Even if you try ordering online, your package will likely never show up because delivery services cannot legally transport tobacco products.

The message is clear – whatever online tobacco retailers claim about shipping to Arizona, buying cigarettes online is against the law. The consequences reach way beyond the reach and influence of what you paid for the products.

Legal Exceptions and Safe Alternatives

Arizona has strict rules against online cigarette sales, but tobacco enthusiasts still have some options and exceptions. Residents need to know these legal details to avoid penalties and still get their preferred products.

The law makes room for cigars and pipe tobacco. The Arizona Attorney General’s office clearly states that “only cigars and pipe tobacco are exempt” from the delivery sales ban. This creates a small but legal way to buy certain tobacco products online. Websites that focus on cigars and pipe tobacco can ship these items to Arizona addresses. Can I order cigarettes online in Arizona?

The law also includes a special exception for religious practices. Arizona’s law doesn’t restrict “cigars, cigarettes or cigarette papers, smoking or chewing a tobacco product” when they’re “used or intended to be used in connection with a bona fide practice of a religious belief and as an integral part of a religious or ceremonial exercise”. This rule recognizes tobacco’s role in certain religious ceremonies.

Vape products give people another legal option. Services like Saucey deliver vape products in Arizona, though cigarettes and other tobacco items aren’t allowed. Their website states it clearly: “Saucey offers vape delivery in Arizona. Unfortunately, cigarettes and other tobacco product delivery is not allowed”.

Don’t trust websites that claim they’ll ship cigarettes to Arizona against the law. Claims like “You can find cheap cigarettes at hellocigarettes.com with free shipping worldwide” go against Arizona’s laws. Whatever these sites promise, ordering cigarettes online remains illegal for Arizona residents.

Here are the safest ways to get tobacco products:

• Buy in person at licensed retail stores
• Purchase legal items (cigars/pipe tobacco) from trusted online sellers
• Look into legal vape delivery where you can get it

The message is clear—no matter what some online sellers might say, Arizona law doesn’t allow ordering cigarettes online except in very specific cases.

Conclusion

Arizona has some of the toughest rules in the country about online tobacco purchases. The law doesn’t care what some websites claim about shipping cigarettes to Arizona addresses – buying cigarettes online while living in Arizona is a Class 6 felony. Each purchase attempt counts as a separate violation that could lead to multiple charges, big fines up to $5,000, and product seizure.

All the same, some tobacco lovers still have options. Cigars and pipe tobacco are legal to buy online. Religious ceremonies also get a pass, but only in very specific cases.

Arizona’s residents should know that websites advertising “worldwide shipping” of cigarettes are making claims that go against state law. It’s just not worth the risk. Police actively track down tobacco tax cheaters, and shipping companies can’t legally bring cigarettes to any Arizona address.

The best way to get tobacco products in Arizona is through licensed local stores. This keeps you safe from felony charges while letting you buy what you want legally. Online shopping might look tempting, but breaking Arizona’s tobacco laws comes with consequences that are nowhere near worth any small benefit.

FAQs

Q1. Is it legal to purchase cigarettes online in Arizona? No, it is illegal to buy cigarettes online in Arizona. The state law prohibits residents from purchasing cigarettes and most tobacco products over the internet, phone, or mail order.

Q2. Are there any exceptions to Arizona’s online tobacco purchase ban? Yes, cigars and pipe tobacco are exempt from the online purchase restrictions. These specific tobacco products can be legally bought online and shipped to Arizona addresses.

Q3. What are the penalties for attempting to buy cigarettes online in Arizona? Attempting to purchase cigarettes online in Arizona is classified as a Class 6 felony. Violators can face fines up to $5,000 per violation, potential prison time, and seizure of the illegally purchased products.

Q4. Can I have cigarettes delivered to my home in Arizona? No, you cannot have cigarettes delivered to your home in Arizona. Common carriers and delivery services are prohibited from knowingly transporting tobacco products to individuals in the state.

Q5. Are there any legal alternatives for purchasing tobacco products in Arizona? Yes, the safest and legal way to purchase cigarettes in Arizona is to buy them in person from licensed retail establishments. For other tobacco products, you can legally buy cigars and pipe tobacco online, or explore vape delivery options where available. Can I order cigarettes online in Arizona?