Centennial, CO Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)
Key Facts
- Roadway solicitation
- Banned if unsafe/blocking
- Interstate/state highways
- Solicitation banned outright
- Covers
- Money, business, employment asks
- Penalty
- Minor offense, max fine
Summary
Centennial bans soliciting money, business or employment from vehicle occupants when the panhandler stands in the roadway or blocks a legal parking spot, and bans it outright near interstate and state highway entrances and exits.
(a)It shall be unlawful for any person to solicit or seek employment, business or sale of any kind, or collect monies for the same, directly from the occupant of any vehicle traveling upon any public street or highway when:(1)Such solicitation, seeking or collection involves the person performing the activity to be on the roadway or to enter onto the roadway to complete the transaction; or(2)The person performing the activity is located or situated such that vehicles cannot move into a legal parking area to safely complete the transaction.(b)Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection (a) above, it shall be unlawful for any person to panhandle or to solicit or attempt to solicit employment, business or contributions of any kind directly from the occupant of any vehicle on any highway included in the interstate or state highway system, including any entrance to or exit from such highway.(c)Any person who violates this Section commits a minor offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than the maximum fine amount authorized in Section 1-4-10 of this Code. (Ord. 2013-O-26 §2)
Full Breakdown
Section 10-13-20(a) makes it unlawful to solicit employment, business, sales or contributions directly from a vehicle's occupant when doing so requires the solicitor to be on or enter the roadway, or when the solicitor is positioned so vehicles cannot pull into a legal parking area to complete the transaction. Subsection (b) goes further: on any interstate or state highway, including its entrances and exits, panhandling or soliciting occupants of vehicles is banned outright, without the roadway/parking-area conditions that apply elsewhere. 'Soliciting' is defined broadly enough to cover an overpriced item sale used to disguise a donation.
Violations & Fines
Violating Section 10-13-20 is a minor offense punishable by the maximum fine authorized under Section 1-4-10 of the Municipal Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone panhandle at a Centennial highway on-ramp?
Is panhandling on a regular Centennial street corner illegal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Centennial
Compare Centennial to another location·View the Colorado public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Aggressive Panhandling in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Arapahoe County handle aggressive panhandling.