Buffalo, NY Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)
Key Facts
- ATM buffer zone
- 20 feet from ATM or bank entrance
- Prohibited locations
- Bus shelters/stops, parking areas, skyways/tunnels, from motorists
- Fine (first offense)
- $25–$250
- Repeat offense (within 12 months)
- Up to 15 days imprisonment in addition to fine
Summary
Buffalo prohibits aggressive solicitation in public places, including near ATMs, in bus shelters, parking areas, or from motor vehicle occupants. Violators face fines of $25–$250 and potential jail.
No person shall solicit in an aggressive manner in a public place. No person shall solicit within 20 feet of an automated teller machine or an entrance or exit of an automated teller machine facility during the time the automated teller machine is available for customers' use; or within 20 feet of an entrance or exit to a banking organization or a licensed casher of checks during its business hours. No person shall solicit when either the person soliciting or the person being solicited is in a bus shelter or at a bus stop. No person shall solicit in a parking area as defined in this chapter. A violation of this chapter shall be a classified as a 'violation' as that term is defined in the Penal Law. A person convicted of violating this chapter shall be fined not less than $25 nor more than $250 and, in addition for a second conviction within 12 months of a preceding conviction, may be imprisoned for a term not longer than 15 days.
Full Breakdown
Buffalo City Code Chapter 317 prohibits solicitation in an aggressive manner, which includes making physical contact, following someone in an intimidating way, blocking passage, or using threatening words. Solicitation is banned within 20 feet of ATMs or bank entrances, in bus shelters or at bus stops, in parking areas, in skyways or tunnels, and from motorists in vehicles. A first violation is punishable by a fine of $25–$250. A second conviction within 12 months may add imprisonment of up to 15 days. The court may impose alternative sentences but not unconditional discharge.
Violations & Fines
Fine of $25–$250. Second conviction within 12 months may add up to 15 days imprisonment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as aggressive panhandling in Buffalo?
Is panhandling near a bank or ATM allowed in Buffalo?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buffalo
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