A new Illinois law makes flicking a cigarette butt out your car window a crime.
The law amends the state’s Litter Control Act to include cigarettes on a list of items you can’t dispose of by tossing them from a motor vehicle.
First and second offenses would be considered misdemeanors, punishable by a fine of up to $1,500 for each instance.
A third offense would be considered a felony, punishable by a $25,000 fine and between one and three years in prison.
The Sierra Club says cigarette butts are the most littered object in the entire world.
The law passed with a 71-45 vote in the Illinois House and with unanimous support in the Senate in May.
HB 3243 became a Public Act with Gov. Pat Quinn’s signature August 16, 2013. It takes effect January 1, 2014.
