Photo: Twitter

A driver was slammed with a hefty ticket after throwing a lit cigarette out his window in Saanich on Saturday.

Victoria Police Department chief Del Manak took to Twitter to share the ticket and remind other drivers what they could face if they discard a cigarette.

He tweeted “575 reasons to not throw your lit cigarette out the car window."

Manak was travelling on Highway 17 at about 6:20 p.m. when the crime happened in front of him.

“When asked why, driver replied, ‘I didn't want my car to burn’ as he pointed to his cup holder in console. My response, ‘Then don't smoke in your car’,” he said.

The Wildfire Act states that dropping, releasing or mishandling a burning substance can result in a $575 fine.

RCMP also note violations of the Wildfire Act and Wildfire Regulations can result in fines of up to $1,150.