Is throwing a cigarette on the ground littering in Texas? Law says it can land you in jail

The anti-litter campaign “Don’t mess with Texas,” seen in commercials, on billboards and the iconic blue, white and red trash cans, is a slogan that’s helped decrease the amount of litter seen along Texas roadways over the years, but what counts as litter isn’t as simple as fast-food bags and cups.

The Texas Department of Transportation campaign was launched with the help of legendary Texas blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan in 1986 and has contributed to litter management efforts since.

While “Don’t mess with Texas” is a friendly initiative to remind Texans to pick up their trash, the consequences of littering can be heavy and even in result in jail time.

What counts as litter in Texas?

When litter comes to mind, you may think garbage like fast-food cups, cans, straws and more, but small items like gum wrappers and cigarette butts also count as litter.

Decomposable items like apple cores and banana peels also count as litter, so think twice before tossing your food remnants out the window.

Can you go to jail for littering in Texas?

If you mess with Texas, be ready to pay the price — littering is against the law and can result in hefty fines and even jail time.

You can be fined up to $500 for trash less than or equal to five pounds, according to TxDOT. A repeat offense could land you a fine up to $2,000 and 180 days in jail.

Tossing litter that weighs over five pounds is considered illegal dumping. Failure to cover your pickup-truck load is against the law and could land you a fine of up to $200 for the first offense or $500 for repeat offenders.