Pennsylvania § 2503 - Littering.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 2503 — Littering., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2503. Littering.
(a) General rule.--It is unlawful for any person to throw, discard, leave, emit, deposit or allow the depositing of any garbage, bottles, cans, rubbish, wire, glass, paper, cardboard or wooden boxes or cartons or any other type of debris, trash or other thing or substance in or along any waters or on any lands adjacent or contiguous to waters or in such manner that the thing or substance deposited flows into or is carried by wind into such waters or lands.
(b) Evidence.--In prosecutions for violations of this section the operator of a motor vehicle or watercraft shall be deemed to have allowed the depositing of any thing or substance thrown, discarded, emitted or deposited from such motor vehicle or watercraft.
(c) Penalty.--Any person who deposits or otherwise disposes of a thing or substance in violation of this section which causes or may cause damage to, or destruction of, fish commits a summary offense of the first degree. Any person who transports household refuse or garbage from another location and disposes of it by leaving it on lands or waters open to fishing or boating commits a summary offense of the second degree. Any person who otherwise violates this section commits a summary offense of the third degree. In addition to the penalties set forth in section 923 (relating to classification of offenses and penalties), an additional penalty of not less than $20 nor more than $50 for each item or piece of litter thrown, discarded, left, emitted or deposited in violation of this section may be imposed on any person who is convicted or acknowledges guilt of a violation of this section. In addition to the penalties under section 923, a person who is convicted or acknowledges guilt of a violation of this section shall be liable to pay, upon demand of the person having legal control of the land or water, a sum equal to the cost of disposal of the discarded item.
(Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; Nov. 1, 2012, P.L.1716, No.211, eff. 60 days; July 1, 2020, P.L.522, No.40, eff. 60 days)
2020 Amendment. Act 40 amended subsec. (c).
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 2503
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 2503 cover?
Section 2503 ("Littering.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Pennsylvania § 2503?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 2503" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 2503 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.