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Public Conduct in Washington County, MD (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Washington County, Maryland.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Washington County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Loitering Rules

Washington County, Maryland makes it a misdemeanor to loiter in a public place, or a place open to the public, in a way that blocks traffic, harasses someone, or risks a breach of the peace. Officers must warn a person first, and fines run up to $100 with 10 days possible jail time.

Loitering Ban in Public Places, MD

Some Restrictions

Washington County, MD Code of Public Local Laws § 10-202(a)

(a) Prohibited. A person may not loiter at, on or in a public place or place open to the public so as: (1) To interfere, impede or hinder the free passage of pedestrian or vehicular traffic; [or] (2) To interfere with, obstruct, harass, curse, or threaten or do physical harm to another member or members of the public; or (3) To cause, by words, acts, or other conduct, a reasonable likelihood of...

Public Alcohol Use

Washington County bars alcohol at its solid waste sites entirely. Section 4.5 of the Solid Waste Collection Licensing Ordinance states that no person shall possess or consume any alcoholic beverage at any County facility, a flat rule that applies at the landfill, convenience centers, and other county-run waste facilities.

Washington County MD Alcohol Ban at Facilities

Some Restrictions

Solid Waste Collection Licensing Ordinance § 4.5

No person shall possess or consume any alcoholic beverage or beverages at any County facility.

All Washington County ordinances

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