Laws of Littering

Source: Officer Roger Hellenbrand (Belleville Police Chief)

What Actions are Taken If a Person Litters Out a Car Window?

Car is pulled over Officer determines who

is responsible (if more than one person in car)

If No one assumes responsibility a Citation may be given to all or just the driver

If Responsible Person Admits

Asked to pick up trash With Cooperation

– May just be given a warning depending on the substance & the police officer involved

No cooperation– Fined $88.80 (WI)– Fines Vary by state– $172 (Municipal)

What is Considered Litter?

Any substance placed “unnaturally”

May not be “ticketed” for every type of litter

– Water dumping– Cigarette butts– (Depends of the Police

Officer & Judge) Natural resources may or

may not be litter (Amount?)– Oil– Sand

Questions

Is candy thrown out at parades considered littering?

Answer

Yes, parade candy is considered litter.

Closed roads have no “traffic” laws

Question

What is considered litter?

•Any substance placed unnaturally

•Everything

Question

Question

Are biodegradable substances considered litter?

By law everything is litter

Probably won’t get ticketed for littering a biodegradable substance

Question

Question

Are leaves considered litter?

• Yes, in excessive amounts

Question

Question

Is Chewing gum considered litter?

Answer

Yes Probably won’t get

ticketed

Question

Is animal or human feces considered litter?

Answer

Yes, all animal & human feces should be picked up