The effect of vertical identification card laws on teenage tobacco and alcohol use

B-Tier
Journal: Health Economics
Year: 2024
Volume: 33
Issue: 11
Pages: 2525-2557

Authors (2)

Erica Louis Mtenga (not in RePEc) Michael F. Pesko (University of Missouri)

Score contribution per author:

1.005 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We study the impact of vertical identification card laws, which changed the orientation of driver's licenses and state identification cards from horizontal to vertical for those under 21 years, on teenage tobacco and alcohol use. We study this question using four national datasets (pooled national and state Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, National Youth Tobacco Survey, Current Population Survey to Tobacco Use Supplements, and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System). We improve previous databases of vertical ID law implementation by using original archival research to identify the exact date of the law change. We estimate models using standard two‐way fixed effects and stacked difference‐in‐differences that avoid bias from dynamic and heterogeneous treatment effects. Using data through 2021, we do not find evidence of reductions in teenage tobacco and alcohol use. While these laws reduce retail‐based purchasing, they also increase social sourcing, thus leading to no net impact on use.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:wly:hlthec:v:33:y:2024:i:11:p:2525-2557
Journal Field
Health
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-29