Higher Fines Proposed for Spitting, Defecating, and Littering

原创 Joey Knotts theBeijinger

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Beijing has a reputation of making rules and banning bad behaviors without mentioning what the punishments will be but this week, city rule-makers are turning a new leaf and are finally daring to get particular about punitive measures.

For example, the last time we saw a draft of the newest "uncivilized behaviors," back in March, the list had been updated to include failing to wear a mask when sick as well as not covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough, but there was no mention of fines. Now, a new draft has suggested higher fines for spitting, littering, public defecation and urination, and setting leaves on fire, all of which could land you a ticket between RMB 50 and RMB 200 (up from RMB 20-50 for spitting previously) if the draft is passed, according to Beijing Daily.

Meanwhile, a separate set of rules set to go into effect May 1, outlines fines for practices deemed to be harmful or dangerous for local communities. Hefty fines are included, so you will know precisely the cost you will pay for breaking the rules.

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According to the new rules occupying, blocking, or otherwise hindering the use of fire lanes now carries a fine of RMB 500, while businesses may be charged between RMB 5,000 and 50,000. Meanwhile, electric scooter owners take note: Running an extension cord out of your apartment window to the ground has also been banned in accordance with these rules, as the wire may hinder emergency vehicles.

Additionally, blocking or hindering the use of public space or damaging public property could also land you the same RMB 500 fine, or between RMB 2,000 and 20,000 for businesses. Individuals may also be charged RMB 500 for making excessive noise in residential communities.

Throwing or dropping items from your apartment window could cost you between RMB 500 and RMB 5,000. According to a law professor from Anhui University, the exact price you will pay for your defenestration will depend on the level of danger the item posed and whether the item was thrown with the intention of hitting someone.

Of course, the efficacy of any law not only depends on the dissuasiveness of the fine but also on regular and impartial enforcement. Until fines are actually handed out, as they eventually were with smoking indoors, it's unlikely that we'll see an end to these nefarious behaviors any time soon.