Littering on the Highway
Veh. & Traf. Law § 1220 — up to $350 and ten hours of service, doubled the next time
No one may throw, dump, deposit or place refuse, trash, garbage, rubbish, litter or any nauseous or offensive matter on a highway, within its right of way, or on private land next to it. Salt, sand and ashes spread for traction, and what farm machinery and animals unavoidably leave behind, are outside the rule.
Who handles this in New York: New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the New York directory.
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| ViolationFirst | PenaltyA fine of up to three hundred fifty dollars, community service of up to ten hours, or both |
| ViolationSecond or later | PenaltyA fine of up to seven hundred dollars, community service of up to fifteen hours, or both |
Littering in parks, waterways and city streets is covered by other state and local laws not set out here. Whether a particular ticket fits is a question for a licensed New York attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- Veh. & Traf. Law § 1220 — Throwing refuse on highways and adjacent lands prohibited
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed New York attorney.