Tennessee § 39-14-502 - Offense of littering.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-14-502 — Offense of littering., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 39-14-502. Offense of littering.

A person commits littering who: Knowingly places, drops or throws litter on any public or private property without permission and does not immediately remove it; 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 Negligently discharges sewage, minerals, oil products or litter into any public waters or lakes within this state. 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. 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. Acts 2007, ch. 595, § 1. Compiler's Notes. Former part 5, §§ 39-14-501 — 39-14-504 (Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1990, ch. 900, §§ 1, 2; 1996, ch. 1023, § 1; 1997, ch. 192, §§ 1-3; 1998, ch. 680, § 1; 1999, ch. 287, § 1; 2005, ch. 214, § 1), concerning litter control, was repealed and reenacted by Acts 2007, ch. 595, § 1, effective July 1, 2007.

Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 39-14-502

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-14-502 cover?

Section 39-14-502 ("Offense of littering.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. 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 Tennessee § 39-14-502?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-14-502" (Tennessee). 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 Tennessee law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.

How does Tennessee § 39-14-502 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee 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 Tennessee.