Owners of cars could be facing a fixed fine of £75 if litter is thrown from their vehicle – even if it was a passenger who discarded the rubbish.
The law has already been in force in London, but is now being extended to cover the rest of the country in a bid to stamp out littering on UK roads.
Transport minister John Hayes said: “Litter on our roads is a major and costly problem to deal with. It makes our roads look messy, can threaten wildlife and even increase the risk of flooding by blocking drains.”
Littering is a criminal offence and local councils have been given the power to issue fines if they see anyone in a vehicle leaving rubbish behind.
A spokesman for the RAC, Simon Williams, said: “According to RAC research, one in four motorists feel the conditions of local and major roads are getting worse due to roadside litter, so moves to clamp down on motoring litter louts will be welcomed by law-abiding drivers.
“It is potentially a shrewd move from the government to make the owner liable for a fine if anyone is spotted littering from a vehicle, as this might be more likely to bring about a positive change in behaviour.”