NSW drivers face $11,000 fine and loss of 10 demerit points for throwing lit cigarettes from car window

People caught tossing a lit cigarette out the window of their car in NSW face a fine of up to $11,000 and losing five demerit points from today.

If the offence happens during a total fire ban, the penalty is ten demerit points, and this is where the $11,000 fine could be imposed.

This is the first time a demerit point penalty has been imposed on this type of offence.

Drivers will also be penalised for tossing a lit cigarette on or near roads and will be fined $600 – double that in a total fire ban.

NSW Rural Fire Service Association President Brian McDonough welcomed the government's move to crack down on fire starters.

"This reckless behaviour puts the safety of firefighting volunteers at risk," Mr McDonough said in December.

"I hope this move makes people think very carefully about the consequences of their actions next time they go to discard a lit cigarette."

To report someone who has thrown a lit cigarette out the window of a vehicle, contact the NSW Rural Fire Service hotline on 1800 679 737.