Public Conduct in Arlington County, VA (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Arlington County, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
Public Urination
Arlington County makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to urinate or defecate on any street, alley, sidewalk, park, or other public place, or anywhere within public view, unless the act happens inside a facility built for that purpose.
Arlington County Public Urination Ban
Some RestrictionsArlington County Code § 17-21
It shall be unlawful for any person to urinate or defecate on any street, alley, sidewalk, park, or public place or area where the public gathers or has access, or within public view, other than in facilities designed for such purposes. Any person found guilty of this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. (Ord. No. 85-16, 4-27-85; Ord. No. 91-34, 9-18-91)
Skateboarding Rules
Arlington County treats motorized skateboards as vehicles under County Code § 14.2-65, letting riders use most sidewalks and streets but capping speed at fifteen miles per hour on streets and trails and six on sidewalks, and requiring riders to yield to pedestrians. Sidewalk riding is barred outright next to protected bike lanes, and violations draw a $50 civil penalty.
Arlington County Skateboard Riding Rules
Some RestrictionsArlington County Code § 14.2-65(D)(1)
1. A person may ride a bicycle, electric power-assisted bicycle, motorized skateboard or motorized scooter upon any sidewalk, except for those sidewalks designated by the County Manager or designee on which bicycle, electric power-assisted bicycle, motorized skateboard or motorized scooter-riding is prohibited. Signs indicating such prohibition shall be posted in general areas where sidewalk-ri...
Loitering Rules
Arlington County makes it a misdemeanor to loiter in a public place in a way that blocks pedestrian or vehicle traffic, harasses another person, threatens property, or signals a likely breach of the peace. Code § 17-13.B also requires anyone loitering to obey a police officer's order to move on when refusing would endanger public peace.
Arlington County Loitering Ordinance
Significant RestrictionsArlington County Code § 17-13
1. “Loiter” means to stand around or remain, or to park or remain parked in a motor vehicle at a public place or place open to the public and to engage in any conduct prohibited under this law. Loiter also means to collect, gather, congregate or be a member of a group or a crowd of people, who are gathered together in any public place or place open to the public and to engage in any conduct pro...
Jaywalking
Arlington County has no standalone ban on crossing mid-block. Its only pedestrian-conduct rule, § 14.2-30, requires pedestrians to obey traffic signs, signals and police officers directing traffic, backed by the smallest fine in the traffic chapter: no more than $5 per offense.
Arlington County Pedestrian Signal Rule
Light RestrictionsArlington County Code § 14.2-30
§ 14.2-30. Pedestrians to Obey Signs, Signals, Etc. A. Pedestrians shall obey signs and signals erected on highways or streets in this County for the direction and control of travel and traffic and they shall obey the orders of police officers engaged in directing traffic and travel on the highways and streets in this County. Violations of this section shall be punished by a fine not exceeding ...
Public Alcohol Use
Arlington County bans open alcoholic beverage containers in its public parks and playgrounds. Code § 17-2.A states plainly that "the possession of open alcoholic beverage containers is unlawful in public parks and playgrounds," with the sole exception of specific parks where the County Manager and Virginia ABC jointly issue an event permit.
Arlington County Open Container Ban
Significant RestrictionsArlington County Code § 17-2
A. The possession of open alcoholic beverage containers is unlawful in public parks and playgrounds. ... For purposes of this section, "alcoholic beverages" shall have the definition set forth in Virginia Code § 4.1-100. B. The prohibitions contained in § 17-2(a) shall not apply where such possession is allowed pursuant to licenses or permits issued by both the Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control...
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