It’s Completely Legal To Throw This Out of Your Window While Driving in Texas

Don't Mess With Texas. If you are from Texas, heck even if you aren't from around here, you've probably heard that phrase. It's a great ad campaign that more people need to actually take to heart. Drive around and you'll see trash on roadways throughout town. And when it comes to driving in the rural areas, you will see that some not only toss trash from their window, sometimes you'll see couches and mattresses.

And of course littering can also be dangerous. How many fires have started because of a discarded cigarette?

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What is Considered Littering in Texas?

So what is littering? Littering means throwing items out of your vehicle that should be tossed into the trash. That includes wrappers, food, bottles, etc. If it's meant to be thrown away, it shouldn't be tossed from your vehicle onto the road or into the grass.  According to DontMessWithTexas.org, this is what they have to say about "what is" litter.

Litter is trash that is not disposed of properly in a trash can. When it’s in the can, it becomes garbage. Anywhere else, it’s litter. Just to be clear, the following is definitely and undeniably LITTER:

• Cigarette butts – they’re small but they’re a nuisance
• Gum and gum wrappers – anything less than two square inches is considered microliter, a growing problem on Texas roadways
• Apple cores – even though they’ll decompose
• Trash that flies out of a car window or truck bed — accidentally or otherwise

Littering Can Lead To Fines

State Law says you can be fined up to $500 for trash less than or equal to five pounds or gallons. If it's over five pounds or five gallons you could be charged with illegal dumping and those fines could cost you a lot more. If you a repeat offender, you could face jail time and a fine up to $2,000.

READ MORE: This is Why Texans Are Putting Dryer Sheets in Their Mailboxes

You Are Allowed To Toss This Item From You Vehicle In Texas

It's true. You are allowed to toss one thing from your vehicle. Liquid. Have some old coffee, soda, water, that you want to pour out? No problem. Just make sure the cup or container stays in your hand. And of course, this only covers liquids you would drink.