San Francisco's Civil Sidewalks law, passed by voters in November 2010 as Proposition L, prohibits sitting or lying on public sidewalks between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. The Police Code Section 168 measure carries a warning then escalating fines.
Police Code Section 168, enacted by Proposition L with 54% voter approval, makes it unlawful to sit or lie on a public sidewalk in any commercial district between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. The first violation triggers a written warning; subsequent offenses within 24 hours can be charged as infractions ($50-100) or misdemeanors (up to $500 or 10 days). Exemptions cover medical emergencies, children in strollers, wheelchair users, parade spectators, and people seated on chairs at sidewalk cafes. Critics argue it criminalizes homelessness, while proponents cite Haight Street and downtown commerce concerns. Citation data shows roughly 700-1,200 enforcement actions annually, concentrated in District 5 and District 6.
Repeat offenders face misdemeanor charges, fines up to $500, ten days in county jail, and civil sweeps of personal belongings during enforcement actions.
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