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Annapolis, MD Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Code section
Annapolis City Code § 11.12.068
Offense class
Misdemeanor
Passive begging
Expressly exempt if no vocal ask
Amended
2011, again March 2022

Summary

Annapolis makes aggressive panhandling a misdemeanor, covering threats, harassing language, and demands that make a reasonable person fear for safety.

Aggressive panhandling shall mean to accost and beg from persons in a public place and shall include the conduct of begging which harasses, menaces, intimidates, impedes traffic or otherwise causes harm... It shall be unlawful and a misdemeanor offense for any person to engage in an act of aggressive panhandling at any time, including... using profane or abusive language, either during the solicitation or following a refusal to make a donation, or making any statement, gesture, or other communication that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

City Code § 11.12.068 defines aggressive panhandling as accosting and begging in a public place in a way that harasses, menaces, intimidates, impedes traffic, or otherwise causes harm, and makes it a misdemeanor at any time of day. Using profane or abusive language during a solicitation or after a refusal, or any statement or gesture that would make a reasonable person fear for their safety or feel compelled to donate, is expressly prohibited. Passive solicitation, sitting or performing with a sign and no vocal request, is carved out and stays legal.

Violations & Fines

Misdemeanor; penalties are set by resolution of the City Council rather than fixed in the code section itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is all panhandling illegal in Annapolis?
No. Only aggressive panhandling is banned: harassing, menacing, or intimidating conduct, or language causing fear for safety.
Can I sit with a sign asking for donations?
Yes. Passively sitting or performing with a sign, without a vocal request, is specifically excluded from the ban.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Annapolis

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsPublic UrinationSignificant RestrictionsLoitering RulesSome RestrictionsPublic Alcohol UseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant Restrictions

All Annapolis rules

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