According to newspaper reports, a citizen who was fined for throwing away a cigarette butt two years ago complained that after two years, he could not remember who the driver was dropping that cigarette butt at that time. It might be himself or his friend borrowing his car andit seemed that thepenalty had lost its original legalization purpose.
Environmental Protection Bureau said that cigarette-butt littering is a "behavior penalty” and after receiving a report, the EPB has to verify the evidence by reviewing the video and checking with the vehicle owner. However, the verification process may not go smoothly because the car owner may have changed his/her residence, the ownership registration and/or transfer of the vehicle may be incomplete, and the mailing process may not be perfect, resulting in the pending of such a case.
Environmental Protection Bureau pointed out that the validity for such a case is three years according to the Administrative Penalty Act and the EPB is required by the law to annually review any outstanding cases within three years and send a notice to persons under investigation. If you file anyobjection to the EPB after receiving such a notice, the EPB will make further verification before issuing a penalty charge notice to you.
Environmental Protection Bureau called on the people not to throw garbage, cigarette butts and any other waste out of vehicle when riding or driving. It is important that everyone helps keep the city clean.