Photo by yospyn.

Back in April, we let you know about a new Metropolitan Police Department pilot program which would enable police officers to fine those caught dumping trash on the streets and sidewalks of the department’s Fourth District. Well, the warning period is over — cops in that section of town can now issue tickets for littering.

Police can issue $75 citations to those who “intentionally or carelessly drop waste material of any source on public space, in waterways, or on private property not controlled by the individual,” and the new regulations enable officers to even arrest those who litter and then refuse to supply them with information. During an appearance on WTOP this morning, MPD Chief Cathy Lanier admitted that some considered the law to be a “nanny state regulation,” but that it likely won’t be a big deal — only three warnings were issued for littering in the Fourth District during the month of May.

Depending on the success of the pilot, a citywide rollout of the program could come this fall.