In Italy, Throwing a Cigarette Butt or Tissue from a Vehicle Can Cost Up to €1,188

Italy has introduced a new regulation aimed at combating environmental pollution, significantly increasing fines for throwing garbage from vehicles. The legislative decree 116/2025, in effect since August 9, imposes severe penalties for any kind of waste thrown onto roads.

Throwing Garbage from Vehicles in Italy Is Now Much More Expensive: Fines Up to €18,000!

Under the new law, throwing even a small item such as a cigarette butt or tissue—whether while driving or parked—can result in fines of up to €1,188. Larger waste items incur much heavier penalties: throwing cans, bottles, or garbage bags from a vehicle can lead to fines ranging from €1,500 to €18,000, and the case will be reported to the public prosecutor.

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Penalties Go Beyond Fines
Depending on the type of waste and where it is disposed of, punishments can be even more severe. Throwing garbage into sensitive areas—such as nature reserves, rivers, or already contaminated zones—can lead to arrest within 48 hours and prison sentences from six months to five and a half years, increasing to seven years in aggravated cases.

Camera Evidence Is Enough
One of the most significant changes in the new regulation is that police no longer need to catch the offender in the act. Footage of the vehicle’s license plate from municipal, highway, or private security cameras is sufficient for the fine to be sent directly to the vehicle owner.

For the disposal of hazardous waste, prison sentences start at one year and can reach up to six years in aggravated cases. Additional penalties include suspension of a driving license for up to six months and confiscation of the vehicle if it belongs to a company.

Italy’s decision has been welcomed by environmental activists, while some critics argue that the fines are excessively high and amount to “extortion.”