State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, is reminding motorists that anyone caught tossing a lit cigarette will be subjected to tough new penalties from midnight tonight.
Motorists will now be penalised five demerit points if they are caught tossing a lit cigarette form their car. The penalty will double to 10 demerit points and a fine of up to $11,000 if the offence is committed during a total fire ban.
Penalties will also apply to passengers caught tossing a lit cigarette on or near the roadway. They will be fined $660 – this will double during total fire bans.
Ms Hornery is calling on all motorists to think about their actions and ensure that anyone seen throwing a cigarette from a car is reported.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“Motorists need to be aware that these new penalties are in place and there will be zero tolerance for anyone caught tossing a lit cigarette from a car.”
“We have all seen the devastation caused by the bushfires over the last few months and hopefully these tough new penalties will make people think twice.”
“Tossing a lit cigarette from a car is reckless behaviour and puts the safety of our community at risk.”
“Motorists need to be vigilant and make sure they also report anyone who they see toss a cigarette from a vehicle, whether it be the passenger or the driver.”
“I hope this move makes people think very carefully about the consequences of their actions next time they go to discard a lit cigarette.”
“To report someone who has thrown a lit cigarette out the window of a vehicle, contact the NSW Rural Fire Service hotline on 1800 679 737.”