Public Conduct in Winston-Salem, NC (2026)
5 verified public conduct rules for Winston-Salem, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Aggressive Panhandling
Winston-Salem bans accosting, blocking, or forcing oneself on anyone while begging, plus soliciting near ATMs, bus stops, parking garages, schools, and after dark; panhandlers must also carry a city-issued license.
Winston-Salem Aggressive Panhandling Rules
Significant RestrictionsWinston-Salem Code of Ordinances § 38-31(e)
It shall be unlawful for any person to ask, beg or solicit, or exhibit oneself for the purpose of begging or soliciting, as defined in subsection (d)(1) above:(1)By accosting another, or by forcing oneself upon the company of another;(2)Within 100 feet of an entrance or exit of any bank or financial institution or other establishment whose primary function is dispensing cash or within 100 feet ...
Public Urination
Winston-Salem bans urinating or defecating in any public place, street, sidewalk, right-of-way, or public building except in designated restrooms, treating a violation as a class 3 misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine.
Winston-Salem Public Urination Ban
Heavy RestrictionsWinston-Salem Code of Ordinances § 38-30
It shall be unlawful for any person to urinate or defecate on any public place, sidewalk, street, alleyway or right-of-way, or in any public building, except in designated water closets or toilet facilities, or on any private property. ... A violation of section 38-30, or any part thereof, shall constitute a class 3 misdemeanor, as provided by G.S. 14-4, and shall subject the offender to a fine...
Skateboarding Rules
Skateboards, roller skates, and similar wheeled toys are banned on streets, sidewalks, parks, and public property within Winston-Salem's central business district, a violation punishable as a class 3 misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500.
Winston-Salem Skateboarding Ban in Downtown District
Significant RestrictionsWinston-Salem Code of Ordinances § 74-20
Except as otherwise provided, it shall be unlawful for any person to coast on a sled, coaster express wagon or toy wagon or move or skate on any roller skates, skateboard or other similar device upon any public street, right-of-way, sidewalk, park or other public property located in the central business district of the city as shown on the official zoning map of the city adopted as part of the ...
Loitering Rules
Winston-Salem makes it unlawful to remain or wander about any public place under circumstances that manifest intent to violate the state Controlled Substances Act, using a list of observable behaviors as evidence. Violators face a class 3 misdemeanor and a fine of up to $500.00.
Winston-Salem Bars Drug-Related Loitering
Some RestrictionsWinston-Salem Code of Ordinances § 38-29(b)
It shall be unlawful for a person to remain or wander about in a public place under circumstances manifesting the intent to engage in a violation of the North Carolina Controlled Substances Act, G.S. 90-89 et seq. Circumstances which may be considered in determining a person's intent include, without limitation, the following: (1)Repeatedly beckoning to, stopping or attempting to stop passersby...
Public Alcohol Use
It is unlawful to drink or carry an open container of beer or unfortified wine on Winston-Salem's public streets or on any property the city owns, occupies, or controls, unless you are riding in a vehicle.
Winston-Salem Public Alcohol Consumption Ban
Significant RestrictionsWinston-Salem Code of Ordinances § 38-9(a)
it shall be unlawful: (1) For any person to consume malt beverages or unfortified wine on property owned, occupied or controlled by the city, or for any person who is not an occupant of a motor vehicle to consume malt beverages or unfortified wine on public streets. (2) For any person to possess open containers of malt beverages or unfortified wine on property owned, occupied or controlled by t...
Looking for Forsyth County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Winston-Salem city rules.
Public Conduct in Forsyth County →