LITTERING ON PUBLIC ROADS OR HIGHWAYS ARE SERIOUS CRIMES

LITTERING ON PUBLIC ROADS OR HIGHWAYS ARE SERIOUS CRIMES

Littering on public roads or highways is illegal and punishable by fines and community services. It is a law in North Carolina. Dumping garbage on streets and highways is a massive, costly, and dangerous issue with more than 9 million pounds collected annually in NC State. Garbage creates hazardous driving conditions, causing accidents and damaged vehicles. It also poses risks to clean-up crews. Roadside litter pollutes soil and groundwater. Millions of dollars are spent annually on removal, with efforts including state-run programs and volunteer initiatives.

Dealing with a serial litterer is incredibly frustrating and dangerous. It is a total lack of respect for the community and people when the litter treats public roads and highways like a personal junk room. Road garbage is a major cause of accidents and can feel like a never-ending battle when it’s happening repeatedly in our area. Littering, throwing or casting any material such as garbage, tires, paper, boxes, container or other refuse into or upon any highway, road, street, alley or public place is illegal.

Since this is a recurring issue, we kindly ask the person who litter to stop putting garbage or tires on the streets or at the side, entry, exit areas of the highways. It’s not only an eyesore, it’s also a hazard to drivers and pedestrians. It is harmful to the community and people.

Illegal littering is a serious crime in North Carolina. Violators face fines and community service under North Carolina General Statute 14-399. Repeat offenders often face civil penalties or criminal charges. This law indicates no one can throw, dump, or place litter on public properties including highways, parks or streets unless it is in an approved garbage container. This law includes dumping garbage on highway sides, entrance ramps, exit ramps, or streets. Violating the littering law can face fines, possibly community services and in some cases, felony charges.

If someone is throwing garbage on highways or streets in North Carolina, people can call the NC Highway Patrol or report through the NCDOT Swat a Litterbug program that sends notices to vehicle owners reported for littering. Sometimes, a piece of trash can cause more. If the furniture and tires are on the side of the highway, please contact the local Department of Transportation or dialing 311 connects you to local government services. They have crews specifically for Debris Removal. They typically clear these items from public property at no charge for the reporter. If the garbage is in the lane, call 911 or the local emergency patrol. Most departments classify road hazards as high priority.

Keeping our streets and highways clean helps everyone and shows respect for the neighborhood and the people who live here. Please dispose of your garbage properly in the bin or at a designated location. It would really help keep the area tidy for everyone. Thank you for helping keep our community safe and clean.

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