Tennessee § 39-14-503 - Offense of mitigated criminal littering.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-14-503 — Offense of mitigated criminal littering., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 39-14-503. Offense of mitigated criminal littering.
Mitigated criminal littering is littering in an amount less than or equal to five pounds (5 lbs.) in weight or seven and one-half (7.5) cubic feet in volume. Mitigated criminal littering is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) and as provided in subsections (c) and (d). A person charged with a violation of this section may, in lieu of appearance in court, submit the applicable fifty dollar ($50.00) fine to the clerk of the court that has jurisdiction of the offense within the county in which the offense charged is alleged to have been committed. A person paying in this manner is not subject to subsection (d), and, in the discretion of the judge, may be excused from paying court costs for the offense. In addition to the penalties established in this section, the court shall require a person convicted under this section to remove litter from the state or local highway system, public playgrounds, public parks or other appropriate public locations for not more than forty (40) hours. The court, in its discretion, may also require a person convicted under this section to work in a recycling center or other appropriate location for any stated period of time not to exceed eight (8) hours. 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§ 1; 1997, ch. 192, §§ 1-3; 1998, ch. 680, § 1; 1999, ch. 287, § 1; 2005, ch. 214, § 1), concerning litter control, was repealed and reenacted by Acts 2007, ch. 595, § 1, effective July 1, 2007. Cross-References. Penalty for Class C misdemeanor, § 40-35-111 .
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 39-14-503
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-14-503 cover?
Section 39-14-503 ("Offense of mitigated criminal 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 § 39-14-503?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-14-503" (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 § 39-14-503 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.