Indianapolis, IN (WXIN) — Indiana State Police announced a statute Monday, making it illegal to throw a lit cigarette out of a vehicle’s window.
The new order stems from burn bans that are active in approximately 85 Indiana counties.
Police said due to the extreme drought conditions throughout a majority of the state, the environmental climate is vulnerable to burning material.
Authorities said several significant fires have already resulted, and they hope the statute will reduce the risk of negligent fires.
The statute states a person who throws a lighted cigarette, cigar, match or other burning material from a moving motor vehicle commits a Class A infraction.
Although the statute requires that the material is burning and the vehicle is in motion, police said they could still cite an individual for littering, a Class B infraction.
