by Sgt. Troy Christianson of the Minnesota State Patrol

Question: Somebody was trying to tell me the other day that it’s OK to throw out their fruit peels along the highway as they break down fairly quick and it shouldn’t be an issue. I disagreed and told them garbage is garbage. I asked if they would want someone to throw that stuff in their yard. What does the law say?

Answer: You are correct. That would not be allowed. It is illegal to throw items from your vehicle onto streets, roads, and public or private land. Do not throw, leave, place or dump any items, including: cigarettes, fireworks, debris, snow, ice, glass, nails, tacks, wire, cans, garbage, papers, ashes, refuse, carcasses, offal, trash or rubbish.

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and of course, drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900