Up to EGP 15,000 Fine and License Suspension: Throwing a Cigarette Butt from Your Car Could Cost You

Many drivers of private cars, taxis, and trucks have a daily habit of smoking while driving, often unaware that tossing a cigarette butt out of the window can put them in violation of traffic law, exposing them to a fine of up to EGP 15,000. In repeat cases, the penalty can escalate to a full one-year suspension of the driving license.

Article 72 of the Traffic Law

Article 72 (Bis 2) of the Traffic Law stipulates that, without prejudice to any stricter penalty provided for in any other law, any vehicle driver who causes pollution of the road by throwing waste, construction debris, or any other objects shall be punished by a fine of no less than EGP 5,000 and no more than EGP 15,000. The same applies to those who drive a vehicle emitting disturbing noises, thick smoke, non-compliant exhaust, foul odors, or whose load scatters, leaks flammable or harmful materials, affects road usability, or poses a danger or nuisance to road users, as well as failing to properly secure and cover the load.

Doubled Penalties for Repeat Offenses

The penalties do not stop at the fine alone. The same article stipulates that the fine is doubled if the violation is repeated within six months. Furthermore, the penalty escalates to a full one-year license suspension if the violation is committed for the third time within a single year. These escalating penalties aim to deter drivers from repeating behaviors that harm the environment and public safety.

Electronic and Field Monitoring

Traffic authorities continue to intensify traffic campaigns and rely on modern radars and intelligent surveillance systems to detect various violations on roads and highways, as part of efforts to achieve traffic discipline and reduce behaviors that threaten road safety or cause pollution. These systems use advanced technologies to accurately detect offenses, making it difficult to avoid penalties even in seemingly minor cases such as discarding a cigarette butt.