The fine for throwing a lit cigarette from a car is now $660 but rises to $1300 during a total fire ban. 

And people are encouraged to report those who throw lit cigarettes from a vehicle on the Bush Fire Information Line - 1800 679 737.

The new penalties came into effect on August 1.

Failing to comply with a bushfire hazard reduction notice now carries a fine of $2200, up from $1100.

Fines are increased from $550 to $1100 for lighting fires for land clearance or for fire breaks during a bushfire danger period, for lighting fires dangerous to buildings and for contravening any condition of a fire permit.

For failing to comply with any direction given by the Minister, fines rise from $1100 to $2200.

Fines also rise from $1100 to $2200 for leaving a fire in the open air before it is thoroughly extinguished.

For failing to comply with a direction given by a police officer, fines rise from $220 to $440.

Fines also rise from $330 to $660 for:

* burning to demolish buildings

* burning to destroy sawmill waste ­material

* using spark arresters

* lighting fires for cooking, burning garbage and refuse and lighting fires to ­produce charcoal.