Drivers Tossing Cigarettes Out Their Window To Face $11K Fines From TODAY

Drivers who toss lit cigarettes from vehicle windows will be slapped with five demerit points under new penalties introduced by the NSW government.

The new rules come into effect on January 17, and apply to passengers as well.

If drivers commit the offence during a total fire ban the penalty will double to 10 demerit points and a fine of up to $11,000 - enough for provisional and learner drivers to immediately lose their licence.

Passengers face a $660 fine for dropping their cigarette on or near the road -- which will double during a total fire ban.

"One cigarette could cost you your licence and so I make no apology for that - I think I join the rest of the community in saying enough is enough," Mr Elliott told reporters in Sydney last month.

More than 200 people were caught throwing lit cigarette butts in 2019.

"In my own electorate so far this year there's been three bushfires started because motorists have thrown out cigarette butts onto dry grass," Mr Elliott said.

"As far as I'm concerned, you should be treated the same as an arsonist would be."

Rural Fire Service Association secretary Steve Robinson urged members of the public to report anyone seen throwing lit cigarette butts out their vehicle window.