Albany, NY Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- City Code Ch. 255, Art. IX
- Bank/ATM buffer
- 10 feet
- Max fine
- $100
- Max jail term
- 15 days
Summary
Albany bans soliciting money in an aggressive manner in any public place, and bans soliciting within 10 feet of a bank, check-cashing business, or ATM.
No person shall solicit, ask or beg in an aggressive manner in any public place.
B. No person shall solicit, ask or beg within 10 feet of any entrance or exit of any bank or check cashing business during its business hours or within 10 feet of any automated teller machine during the time it is available for customers' use; provided, however, that when an automated teller machine is located within an automated teller machine facility, such distance shall be measured from the entrance or exit of the automated teller machine facility; provided further that no person shall solicit, ask or beg within an automated teller machine facility where a reasonable person would or should know that he or she does not have permission to do so from the owner or other person lawfully in possession of such facility. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the lawful vending of goods and services within such areas.
C.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4873446; v61 updated 2026-03-18; through 03-18-2026).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 255-59 makes it unlawful to solicit, ask or beg in an aggressive manner in any public place, and separately bars soliciting within 10 feet of a bank or check-cashing business entrance during business hours or within 10 feet of an ATM while it's available for use. Section 255-58 defines "aggressive manner" to include following a person, intentional physical contact, blocking a pedestrian's or vehicle's path, or violent or threatening gestures. The article also bars approaching vehicle occupants on a street to solicit in an aggressive manner. Violations carry a fine up to $100 or up to 15 days in jail, or both.
Violations & Fines
Fine up to $100 or imprisonment up to 15 days, or both, plus possible community service alternatives (§ 255-61).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is all panhandling illegal in Albany?
What counts as "aggressive manner"?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albany
New York rules heatmap·Compare Albany to another location·View the New York public conduct overview
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