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TCA 39-14-502

Offense of littering

VIOLATIONViolation

What does this charge mean?

It is illegal to knowingly throw, drop, or place trash on public or private property without permission and not immediately pick it up, or to negligently throw glass or dangerous items near public swimming areas or highways, or to discharge sewage, oil, or litter into public waters. A violation is a violation (the lowest offense level) with no jail time or fine specified in this statute. The law allows courts to assume the vehicle operator is responsible for litter thrown from a moving vehicle or to identify someone as responsible if their personal information is found in the trash.

Penalty Details

ClassificationViolation
Penalty SummaryViolation
(a) A person commits littering who: (1) Knowingly places, drops or throws litter on any public or private property without permission and does not immediately remove it; (2) Negligently places or throws glass or other dangerous substances on or adjacent to water to which the public has access for swimming or wading, or on or within fifty feet (50′) of a public highway; or (3) Negligently discharges sewage, minerals, oil products or litter into any public waters or lakes within this state. (b) Whenever litter is placed, dropped, or thrown from any motor vehicle, boat, airplane, or other conveyance in violation of this section, the trier of fact may, in its discretion and in consideration of the totality of the circumstances, infer that the operator of the conveyance has committed littering. (c) Whenever litter discovered on public or private property is found to contain any article or articles, including, but not limited to, letters, bills, publications, or other writings that display the name of a person in such a manner as to indicate that the article belongs or belonged to that person, the trier of fact may, in its discretion and in consideration of the totality of the circumstances, infer that the person has committed littering.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

VIOLATION
TCA Section39-14-502
Recent Bookings8+

Geographic Distribution

Shelby
25
Sullivan
1
Rhea
1
Fayette
1
Davidson
1
Blount
1