The Transportation Department said on Wednesday that it was permanently banning e-cigarettes in checked baggage or from being charged onboard an aircraft.

Transportation Secretary Anthony R. Foxx cited recent incidents that showed the devices could catch fire during transport. Passengers may continue to carry e-cigarettes for personal use in carry-on baggage or on their person, but may not use them on flights, Mr. Foxx said.

“Banning e-cigarettes from checked bags is a prudent and important safety measure,” Mr. Foxx said in a statement.

The rule covers battery-powered portable electronic smoking devices including e-cigarettes, e-cigars and e-pipes, but does not prohibit passengers from transporting other devices containing batteries for personal use, like laptop computers or cellphones.