Italy to Impose €18,000 Fine for Throwing Litter from Cars

Italy is set to enforce severe penalties on drivers who illegally dispose of rubbish from their vehicles.

Starting next Saturday, motorists could face fines of up to €18,000 (£15,200) for discarding waste from car windows onto roads or roadside areas. The move aims to tackle littering, which has long been a problem on Italy’s streets and highways.

Current laws already impose fines of up to €1,188 for throwing items such as tissues, plastic bottles, and cigarette butts. However, under the new legislation, offenders who litter in protected nature reserves or conservation areas risk having their driving licences revoked and could even face prison sentences.

In a significant shift from previous rules, police will no longer need to catch offenders in the act. Instead, video surveillance footage will be sufficient to issue fines and pursue legal action.

The Italian government hopes the tougher measures will serve as a strong deterrent and help preserve the country’s natural landscapes.