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Billings, MT Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing section
City Code Sec. 18-1001
Passive sign-holding
Exempt from ban
Nighttime solicitation
Banned after sunset
Max penalty
$500 fine, 6 months jail
Buffer zones
20 ft from ATMs, bus stops

Summary

Billings bans aggressive solicitation citywide and restricts commercial solicitation near ATMs, bus stops, and vehicles.

It shall be unlawful for any person to commercially solicit in any of the following manners:(1)By blocking the path of the person solicited; or(2)By following or walking alongside the person solicited; or(3)By using profane or abusive language, either during the solicitation or following refusal;(4)By accosting or forcing oneself upon the company of another;(5)By continuing to solicit a person who has made a negative response, either verbally or by physical sign;(6)By any statement, gesture, or other communication which a reasonable person in the situation of the person solicited would perceive to be a threat;(7)By engaging in any conduct that would cause a reasonable person to feel compelled or to be fearful.

Source: Billings Municipal Code Chapter 25View 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 66 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

City Code Sec. 18-1001 makes it unlawful to commercially solicit by blocking someone's path, following or walking alongside them, using profane or abusive language, accosting or forcing oneself on another, continuing to solicit after a negative response, making a threatening statement or gesture, or acting in a way that would make a reasonable person fearful. Passively sitting or standing with a sign is exempt. Commercial solicitation is also barred within 20 feet of ATMs, pay phones, bus stops, and vendor stands, in city parking facilities, from drivers in traffic, and between sunset and sunrise.

Violations & Fines

Misdemeanor: fine up to $500, up to 6 months imprisonment, or both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is holding a sign asking for money illegal in Billings?
No. Passively standing or sitting with a sign without addressing a specific person is expressly exempt under Sec. 18-1001.
What counts as aggressive solicitation in Billings?
Blocking someone's path, following them, using abusive language, continuing after a refusal, or any threatening statement or gesture, per Sec. 18-1001(d).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Billings

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsSkateboarding RulesSignificant RestrictionsPublic Alcohol UseHeavy RestrictionsPublic UrinationSome RestrictionsPublic Marijuana UseSignificant RestrictionsJaywalkingSignificant RestrictionsLoitering RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Billings rules

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