A Victorian man has been hit with an $800 fine after throwing a lit cigarette out of his car window on the Hume Highway, thanks to a witness who reported the dangerous act.
According to 7News, the incident occurred on 7 June 2023, when the Tarneit man discarded the cigarette from his Toyota Camry while travelling towards Melbourne.
The cigarette reportedly bounced off the front of another car, prompting the driver to report the offence to Victoria’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
The offender was due to appear in court on 19 November but failed to show. A magistrate found him guilty in his absence, issuing a $740 fine and $93 in court costs.
The EPA highlighted the serious risks associated with such behaviour, noting that lit cigarette butts could spark bushfires, especially during warmer months, and are the most common form of litter, often polluting waterways.
“Smoking can be expensive, but littering can be worse,” an EPA spokesperson said.
“Lit cigarettes can cause fires if they land on dry grass or bushland, and their environmental impact is significant.”
Victorian drivers face fines of up to $790 for dropping lit cigarettes, with the EPA issuing approximately 10,000 litter fines annually. Fines extend to passengers who litter from vehicles, with vehicle owners held accountable.
Authorities are urging witnesses to report littering incidents to help reduce pollution and prevent fire hazards.
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