Bill to reduce litter, roadway debris advances to full Senate

A bill aimed at curbing highway litter, including so-called "trucker bombs," advanced to a final vote in the state Senate today.

SB44, sponsored by Sen. Pat Jones, D-Holladay, increases the fine from $100 to $250 for truckers who toss urine-filled containers from their vehicles rather than stopping for a bathroom break.

"Somebody has to clean that up and it's very dangerous for the people who have to do that," Jones said.

The bill also addresses debris falling from unsecured loads on vehicles, raising the fine from $40 to as much as $500 for commercial drivers. Jones said the Utah Department of Transportation has picked up propane tanks, washing machines, sofas, mattresses and barbecue grills off state roads.