Dearborn, MI Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- Dearborn Code § 14-12
- First offense
- $100 civil fine
- Repeat offense
- Misdemeanor
- Adopted
- Ord. No. 16-1552, 10-18-16
- Covers
- Touching, blocking, following, intimidation
Summary
Dearborn bans aggressive panhandling in public areas, including touching, blocking, following, or intimidating gestures. First offense is a $100 civil fine; repeat offenses in the same year are a misdemeanor.
A person shall not solicit another person under any of the following circumstances: In a public area, by... Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly making physical contact with or touching another person without that person's consent... Approaching or following a person in a manner that is intended or is likely to cause a reasonable person to fear imminent apprehension or bodily harm... First offense in a calendar year: the person is responsible for a civil infraction and shall be fined $100.00; Second and subsequent offenses in the same calendar year: the person is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-07: Code: Updated through: July 22, 2026 | Zoning: Updated through: July 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Dearborn Code of Ordinances § 14-12 prohibits soliciting money or anything of value in a public area (sidewalks, parking lots, parks, doorways, and similar spaces) by making unwanted physical contact, following or approaching someone in a way likely to cause fear of imminent harm, continuing after being told no, blocking a person's path, or using obscene or abusive language or gestures meant to intimidate. Soliciting in a roadway that impedes traffic is also barred. A first violation in a calendar year is a civil infraction carrying a $100 fine; a second or later violation in the same year is a misdemeanor. The Wayne County city adopted this ordinance in 2016 to replace an earlier begging provision.
Violations & Fines
First offense/year: civil infraction, $100 fine. Second and later offenses in the same year: misdemeanor charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is all panhandling illegal in Dearborn?
What happens on a second offense?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dearborn
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Aggressive Panhandling in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wayne County handle aggressive panhandling.