3/26/08-Gov. Jon Huntsman has signed a bill into law boosting the fine for littering on highways in the state. The increase in fines will apply to “trucker bombs.”
The new law, previously SB44, won widespread support in the Senate and House after changes were made. It takes effect July 1.
Fines will increase for repeat offenders of the state’s littering law. First-time offenders will continue to face at least $100 fines for such things as tossing containers of human waste along highways. Repeat offenses within three years will result in at least $250 fines.
Judges also could require offenders to serve eight hours of community service. Existing Utah law allows judges to mandate four hours of community service.
Another provision in the bill addresses unsecured loads on cars and trucks. Debris falling from trucks could result in at least $250 fines. Repeat offenses within three years will result in $500 fines.
Other drivers will face at least $100 fines. Repeat offenses within three years will result in at least $250 fines.
To help foot the bill, revenue from the fines will be put into a special fund to educate motorists on how to properly secure loads. The Utah Department of Transportation also will get money to help with roadside cleanup.

2/28/08-A bill on its way to Gov. Jon Huntsman’s desk would boost the fine for littering on highways in the state. The increase in fines would apply to “trucker bombs.”
The Senate voted by unanimous consent to approve House changes to a bill that would increase fines for repeat offenders of the state’s littering law. First-time offenders would continue to face at least $100 fines for such things as tossing containers of human waste along highways. Repeat offenses within three years would result in at least $250 fines.
Judges also could require offenders to serve eight hours of community service. Utah law now allows judges to mandate four hours of community service.
Another provision in the bill – SB44 – addresses unsecured loads on cars and trucks. Debris falling from trucks could result in at least $250 fines. Repeat offenses within three years would result in $500 fines.
Other drivers would face at least $100 fines. Repeat offenses within three years would result in at least $250 fines.
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.
The House removed a provision from the bill that allowed UDOT to set up a program to allow people to report violations.
For bill status, call (801) 538-1035.

2/12/08-The House Transportation Committee voted 10-2 to approve a bill that would boost the fine for littering on highways. The increase in fines would apply to “trucker bombs.”
Sponsored by Sen. Patricia Jones, D-Holladay, SB44 would increase fines for repeat offenders of the state’s littering law. First-time offenders would continue to face at least $100 fines for such things as tossing containers of human waste along highways. Repeat offenses within three years would result in at least $250 fines.
Judges also could require offenders to serve eight hours of community service.
Another provision in the bill addresses unsecured loads on cars and trucks. Debris falling from trucks could result in at least $250 fines. Repeat offenses within three years would result in $500 fines.
Other drivers would face at least $100 fines. Repeat offenses within three years would result in at least $250 fines.
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.
The bill has moved to the full House. The Senate previously approved it.
For bill status, call (801) 538-1035.

1/31/08-The Senate unanimously approved a bill that would boost the fine for littering on highways. The increase in fines would apply to “trucker bombs.”
Sponsored by Sen. Patricia Jones, D-Holladay, SB44 would increase fines for repeat offenders of the state’s littering law. First-time offenders would continue to face at least $100 fines for such things as tossing containers of human waste along highways. Repeat offenses within three years would result in at least $250 fines.
Judges also could require offenders to serve eight hours of community service.
Another provision in the bill addresses unsecured loads on cars and trucks. Debris falling from trucks could result in at least $250 fines. Repeat offenses within three years would result in $500 fines.
Other drivers would face at least $100 fines. Repeat offenses within three years would result in at least $250 fines.
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.
The bill has moved to the House Transportation Committee. For bill status, call (801) 538-1035.

12/28/07-Sen. Patricia Jones, D-Holladay, has filed a bill for consideration during the upcoming regular session that would increase the fine for littering onto highways.
State law now calls for people littering or dropping debris along highways to face minimum fines of $100. The bill – SB44 – would increase the minimum fine for repeat offenders to $250.
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.
For Senate bill status, call (801) 538-1035.