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Clinton adopts ordinance to criminalize littering from vehicles, cites $500 misdemeanor cap
Summary
The council unanimously adopted a city ordinance making littering from motor vehicles a class 3 misdemeanor with up to a $500 fine; staff said the change supplements state law and that the district attorney’s office is reviewing a separate felony commercial-littering statute.
The Clinton City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance on Oct. 7 making it a class 3 misdemeanor under city code to litter from motor vehicles and to fail to secure a load, with a maximum municipal fine of $500.
Presiding Official (Speaker 1) introduced the item as a tool to address recurring incidents of debris and dead animals being dumped along roadways. Police and city staff explained the ordinance is designed to complement existing state statutes: police currently cite state littering and unsecured-load statutes where applicable, and the district attorney’s office is reviewing an existing felony commercial-littering provision under North Carolina law for potential enforcement in commercial cases.
Police Chief (Speaker 13) said the ordinance provides additional local enforcement options and a clearer path to seek restitution for cleanup costs. Council members asked whether the penalty targets drivers only or companies; staff said the immediate penalty under the new city code applies to drivers and that the city is pursuing ways to hold companies accountable when appropriate.
The ordinance passed by voice vote. Council members said they will publicize the change and work with county partners to identify repeat offenders. No individual fines or roll-call tallies were recorded in the meeting transcript.
The action gives local officials a defined misdemeanor penalty to use immediately while the county and state consider broader criminal enforcement options.
