11/16/07-The Legislature’s Transportation Interim Committee has endorsed a measure that would increase the fines for throwing stuff onto highways in the state.
State law now calls for people littering or dropping debris along highways to face minimum fines of $100. Sen. Patricia Jones, D-Holladay, is offering the bill to increase the minimum fine for repeat offenders to $250.
Lt. Shawn Judd, Section Commander, Utah Highway Patrol, told lawmakers the number of debris crashes in the state continues to escalate. The cost involved to clear debris also is on the rise.
To help foot the bill, revenue from the fines would be put into a special fund to educate motorists on how to properly secure loads. The Utah Department of Transportation also would get money to help with roadside cleanup.
In addition, UDOT could set up a program to allow people to report violations.
All legislation can be considered during the regular session that begins in January.