Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is reminding motorists to drive safely and keep roads and highways clean.

“Although traffic has decreased due to the pandemic, littering can be a traffic safety issue on our roads, whether it is from a truck whose truckload is uncovered or from a driver who has disposed of garbage out of a car window,” said White. “We should be mindful of the dangers of littering to others and to our environment.”

According to the Illinois Litter Control Act, there is a mandatory minimum fine of $50 for any person who is convicted of violating this act and a maximum fine of $1500 and possible jail time. A second conviction can result in up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $2500.

White recommends the following tips to help keep roadways clean and safe:

• Always carry a trash bag in your car. If you have litter, there will be somewhere to dispose of it.

• Securely cover open loads on all trucks.

• Clean out pickup truck beds. Random trash left in the back of pickups can easily blow out onto the street.

• Set an example for others. Children often imitate what they see. Prevent bad behavior by picking up after yourself and not littering.

• Put cigarette butts where they belong: in ashtrays.