New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) Article 1219 prohibits the throwing or depositing of any substance that could injure a person, animal, or vehicle onto a public road. This includes: glass, nails, wire, cans, snow, grass clippings, and leaves.

The law also requires anyone who drops or permits the dropping of any of these substances to immediately remove them or have them removed. This includes anyone removing a wrecked vehicle from the road, who must also remove any glass or other dangerous items from the vehicle.