Solicitor Permits: Arlington vs Cambridge
How do solicitor permits rules compare between Arlington, MA and Cambridge, MA?
Arlington and Cambridge have similar restriction levels.
Arlington, MA
Middlesex County
Massachusetts requires hawkers and peddlers selling goods door-to-door to obtain a state license from the Division of Standards in addition to local permits.
View full Arlington rules →Cambridge, MA
Middlesex County
Door-to-door solicitors and canvassers in Cambridge must obtain a Hawker and Peddler or Solicitor permit from the License Commission, carry ID, and honor posted No Soliciting signs.
View full Cambridge rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | G.L. c. 101 | - |
| License Issuer | Division of Standards | - |
| Veteran Fee | Free under Sec. 22 | - |
| Local Permit | Often also required | - |
| Permit | - | Solicitor permit required for commercial sales |
| Issuer | - | Cambridge License Commission |
| Hours | - | 9 AM to 8 PM typical |
| Protected speech | - | Political or religious exempt from permit |
| Trespass | - | MGL c.266 s.120 enforces No Soliciting signs |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington FAQ
Are nonprofit and political solicitors covered?
No. G.L. c. 101 applies to commercial sales of goods. Religious, charitable, and political canvassing is generally protected by the First Amendment but may be subject to local registration.
What does the state license cost?
The Division of Standards charges $62 annually for hawker and peddler licenses for non-veterans; veterans receive licenses without charge under c. 101 Section 22.
Cambridge FAQ
Do political canvassers need a permit?
No. Political, religious, and charitable canvassing are protected by the First Amendment and exempt from permitting.
What if I post a No Soliciting sign?
Solicitors must honor it. Ignoring a posted sign can be charged as criminal trespass under state law.
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