Reno's Public Conduct: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles public conduct a little differently. In Reno, Nevada, there are 8 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Public Alcohol Use

Reno bans drinking or holding an open alcoholic beverage on public property or anywhere the public congregates, punishable as a misdemeanor.

Key details: Governing law: RMC § 8.12.033. Penalty: Misdemeanor. Exceptions: Permitted special events only. Open container defined: Any opened or broken-seal vessel.

Consuming or possessing an open alcoholic beverage in public without a special-event or § 8.23.120 permit is a misdemeanor; simply carrying an open container creates a rebuttable presumption of intent to drink it.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Reno actively enforces its public alcohol use requirements.

Public Marijuana Use

Reno Municipal Code § 8.17.080 makes it unlawful to use or consume marijuana in any public place, on marijuana-establishment premises, or anywhere open or exposed to public view.

Key details: Governing section: RMC § 8.17.080. Where banned: Any public place or public view. Penalty: Fine up to $1,000, jail up to 6 mo.. Enforcement: Reno Municipal Court, misdemeanor.

Violating RMC § 8.17.080 is a misdemeanor under § 8.17.100: a fine up to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both.

Compared to other cities, Reno takes a harder line on public marijuana use. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Jaywalking

Reno pedestrians must cross roadways at right angles or in a crosswalk, and must yield to vehicles when crossing outside a marked or unmarked intersection crosswalk.

Key details: Governing rule: Cross at right angles or in a crosswalk. Outside a crosswalk: Pedestrian must yield to vehicles. Between signalized intersections: Marked crosswalk only. Maximum penalty: $1,000 fine or 6 months jail.

No fixed jaywalking fine is set in Title 6; violations fall under RMC § 1.04.010's general penalty of $1-$1,000, up to six months in city jail, or both, with each day a separate offense.

Outdoor Smoking Restrictions

Reno bans smoking and vaping in all parks, trails, and recreation facilities, and within 100 feet of sporting fields, spectator areas, and facility entrances, unless inside a designated smoking area.

Key details: Banned areas: Parks, trails, recreation facilities citywide. Buffer zone: 100 feet from sporting fields, entrances. Includes: Electronic and vaporized smoking devices. Exception: Posted designated smoking areas only. Penalty: Up to $1,000 fine, 6 months jail.

Violating the park smoking ban is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 in fines and up to six months in the city jail, per RMC § 1.04.010's general penalty.

This is one of the stricter rules in Reno's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Skateboarding Rules

Skateboards are banned on downtown sidewalks and roadways, with parks and posted areas off-limits under Reno Municipal Code § 6.06.030 and § 8.23.160.

Key details: Downtown sidewalks: banned, Sixth/Second/Lake/Sierra box. Roadways: banned except crosswalk crossing. Curfew zone: Downtown Tax District, 10pm-5am. Parks: director may close areas by sign. Penalty: misdemeanor.

Violating RMC § 6.06.030 or § 8.23.160 is a misdemeanor; park closures and posted no-skate zones are enforced by Parks and Recreation staff and police.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Reno actively enforces its skateboarding rules requirements.

Public Urination

Reno prohibits urinating or defecating in streets, sidewalks, parks, and other public places, with violations charged as a misdemeanor under Reno Municipal Code § 8.12.018 unless the act occurs in a proper restroom facility.

Key details: Code section: Reno Municipal Code § 8.12.018. Penalty: Misdemeanor. Covers: Streets, sidewalks, parks, public buildings. Exception: Restrooms and sanitary waste facilities. Adopted: Ordinance No. 4607, 1996.

Violating the public urination/defecation ban is a misdemeanor under Reno Municipal Code § 8.12.018, prosecuted in Reno Municipal Court and punishable by fine and/or jail time.

Loitering Rules

Reno makes it a misdemeanor to loiter on posted private property, but police can only cite for it if the owner has filed a Letter of Authority and posted signs.

Key details: Offense: Enter/remain on posted property, no permission. Signage: Signs at 100-ft or 200-ft intervals. Prerequisite: Owner must file Letter of Authority. Revocation: Police can cancel authority in 10 days. Penalty: Misdemeanor citation or arrest.

Violating the posted-property loitering rule is a misdemeanor, but enforcement only applies where the owner filed a Letter of Authority with police and signs are properly posted.

Aggressive Panhandling

Reno makes it a misdemeanor to solicit money or goods in an aggressive manner in any public place, covering touching, blocking, following, or using threatening language toward a person being solicited.

Key details: Penalty: Misdemeanor (§ 8.30.085). Buffer zone: 20 feet from ATMs, banks, transit stops. Passive panhandling: Sitting quietly with a sign is exempt. Covers: Touching, blocking, following, threatening language.

Violating the aggressive-solicitation ban, or soliciting within 20 feet of an ATM, bank, transit stop, or dining area, is a misdemeanor under Reno Municipal Code § 8.30.085.

Compared to other cities, Reno takes a harder line on aggressive panhandling. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Reno is tougher than many cities when it comes to public conduct. Out of the 8 rules covered here, 5 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Reno, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Reno's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.