Littering
La. R.S. 30:2531 — $500 and eight hours of litter pickup the first time it is on purpose
No one may dispose of litter on any public place, on private or rural property they do not own, or in the state's waters, from a vehicle or otherwise. Doing it on purpose is intentional littering, a crime. Doing it carelessly is simple littering, with civil penalties.
Who handles this in Louisiana: Louisiana State Bar Association Lawyer Referral; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Louisiana directory.
| Conviction | Intentional littering | A cigarette or cigar from a vehicle | Simple littering |
|---|---|---|---|
| ConvictionFirst | Intentional littering$500 and eight hours of litter abatement work | A cigarette or cigar from a vehicle$300 and eight hours | Simple littering$150, or eight hours instead |
| ConvictionSecond | Intentional littering$900 and twenty hours | A cigarette or cigar from a vehicle$700 and sixteen hours | Simple littering$900, or twenty hours instead |
| ConvictionThird or later | Intentional littering$2,500, a one year license suspension and eighty hours | A cigarette or cigar from a vehicle$1,500, a one year license suspension and eighty hours | Simple littering$900, or twenty hours instead |
The driver is presumed to have done it. Litter thrown from a vehicle or boat is inferred to be the driver's, a photo of the plate points to the registered owner, and litter with someone's name on it, like a letter or a bill, points to that person. No officer has to see it happen.
Every violation also carries special court costs of $100, plus any repair of damage and investigative costs. A citation must come within one year of when law enforcement knew or should have known. Whether a particular charge fits is a question for a licensed Louisiana attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- La. R.S. 30:2531 — Intentional littering prohibited; simple littering prohibited
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Louisiana attorney.