Public Conduct in Madison, WI (2026)
5 verified public conduct rules for Madison, Wisconsin, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Aggressive Panhandling
Madison MGO 24.12 prohibits aggressive solicitation: physical contact, blocking pedestrians, threatening language, or repeated requests after refusal. Passive panhandling and sign-holding remain protected First Amendment activity.
Aggressive Panhandling
Some RestrictionsLoud Party Ordinance
Madison MGO 25.09 lets police issue loud-party citations and bill repeat-offender properties for response costs. The ordinance is heavily applied in UW-Madison student rental neighborhoods around campus.
Loud Party and Disorderly House Ordinance
Some RestrictionsOutdoor Smoking Restrictions
Wisconsin's statewide Smoke-Free Air Act (Wis. Stat. 101.123) bans smoking inside bars, restaurants, and workplaces. Madison adds restrictions in city parks, near playgrounds, and at bus stops.
Smoking in Public Places
Some RestrictionsPublic Marijuana Use
Madison MGO 23.20 decriminalizes possession of up to 28 grams of cannabis on private property to a $1 civil forfeiture. Public consumption remains a citation, and state law still classifies cannabis as illegal.
Public Marijuana Possession Decriminalized
Few RestrictionsPublic Alcohol Use
Madison MGO 38.07 prohibits possession of open alcohol containers on streets, sidewalks, and most public property. Exceptions exist for licensed sidewalk cafes, special-event permit areas, and designated parks.
Open Containers in Public
Some RestrictionsLooking for Dane County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Madison city rules.
Public Conduct in Dane County →