Midland's Soliciting & Door-to-Door: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles soliciting & door-to-door a little differently. In Midland, Texas, there are 2 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.

No-Knock Registry

Midland bars peddlers from entering any residential property between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m., or between 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. from November 1 through April 1, under Sec. 5-3-8 of the Code of Ordinances. Sec. 5-3-9 separately makes it unlawful for a peddler to knock, ring the doorbell, or otherwise call attention to their presence at any residence displaying a 'no peddlers' or 'no solicitors' sign.

Key details: Standard curfew: No peddling 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m.. Winter curfew: 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 a.m., Nov. 1-Apr. 1. Sign rule: Posted 'no peddlers' sign bars any contact. Applies regardless: Even $20-and-under exempt peddlers must comply. Max fine: Up to $500.00 per violation.

Entering a residence outside the permitted hours, or ignoring a posted 'no peddlers' sign, is a violation of Chapter 5-3 punishable as an infraction under Sec. 5-3-13(A), with a maximum fine of $500.00 for the offense. The chief of police can also suspend a violator's peddler license for up to 30 days, or revoke it, for a knowing or intentional violation of the chapter under Sec. 5-3-11(A)(3), and the City or an individual can pursue civil remedies in addition to any criminal case (Sec. 5-3-13(B)).

Solicitor Permits

Midland requires anyone acting as a door-to-door peddler to obtain a license from the Chief of Police under Chapter 5-3 of the Code of Ordinances, unless every item offered is priced at $20.00 or less. The application requires identifying information, a photograph and disclosure of certain convictions, costs $4.00, and the license expires six months after issuance.

Key details: License fee: $4.00 filed with the police department. Small-sale exemption: No license needed under $20 asking price. Decision deadline: Chief of police must rule within 6 days. License term: Expires six months after issuance. Max fine: Up to $500.00 per Sec. 5-3-13.

Violating any provision of Chapter 5-3, including peddling without a license, is an infraction under Sec. 5-3-13(A), punishable under the City's general penalty (Sec. 1-3-1) up to a maximum fine of $500.00 for the chapter. The City or any individual harmed can also pursue civil remedies in addition to criminal enforcement (Sec. 5-3-13(B)).

The Bottom Line

Midland's soliciting & door-to-door rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Midland is broadly strict or permissive.

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