No-Knock Registry: Daly City vs San Mateo
How do no-knock registry rules compare between Daly City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
Daly City and San Mateo have similar restriction levels.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
Many San Mateo County cities (Redwood City, San Carlos, others) maintain 'Do Not Knock' registries that residents can join free of charge, and the County Sheriff requires all licensed solicitors to check the registry and respect posted No Soliciting signs before knocking. Unincorporated areas rely primarily on posted signs — a sign reading 'No Soliciting' or 'No Trespassing' on a home, gate, or driveway is legally sufficient to make subsequent solicitation a citable offense under Penal Code §602 and County Code.
View full Daly City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
San Mateo respects no-soliciting signs posted by residents. The city does not maintain a formal no-knock registry. California Penal Code 602 applies to solicitors who refuse to leave after being asked. Residents can post no-soliciting signs as a deterrent.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Unincorporated | Signs only, no County registry | - |
| City Registries | Redwood City, San Carlos offer | - |
| Legal Basis | Penal Code §602.1 | - |
| Exempt | Religious, political | - |
| No-Knock Registry | - | None — no formal program |
| No-Soliciting Signs | - | Recommended as deterrent |
| Trespass Law | - | CA Penal Code §602 |
| Police | - | SMPD — 650-522-7700 |
| Religious/Political | - | Protected but must leave if asked |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Does a 'No Soliciting' sign actually have legal force?
Yes. In California, a clearly posted No Soliciting sign at a visible approach to your home creates legal notice. A person who ignores it and knocks to sell goods/services can be cited under Penal Code §602.1. Licensed solicitors who ignore signs will also lose their permit.
Is there a countywide Do Not Knock list for unincorporated San Mateo County?
No. The County does not maintain a unified registry for unincorporated areas — only individual cities like Redwood City and San Carlos operate registries. In unincorporated neighborhoods, post a clear No Soliciting sign as your primary legal protection.
San Mateo FAQ
Does San Mateo have a no-knock list?
No. The city does not maintain a formal no-knock registry. Post a no-soliciting sign to deter unwanted visitors.
What if a solicitor ignores my no-soliciting sign?
Ask them to leave. If they refuse, they may be cited for trespassing under CA PC §602. Contact SMPD at 650-522-7700.
Do no-soliciting signs apply to religious visitors?
Religious canvassers have First Amendment protections but must leave when asked. They are not required to obey no-soliciting signs but must respect your request to leave.
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