Fall River, MA Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)
Key Facts
- Hours banned
- After sunset, before sunrise
- Contact distance
- Must stay 3+ feet away
- Fine
- $50 first offense, $100 later
- Citation
- Fall River Code § 46-19
- Adopted
- Ord. No. 2024-7, Feb. 2024
Summary
Fall River bars panhandling after dark and bans aggressive tactics -- approaching within three feet, blocking a path, following someone, or using threats or profanity -- as misdemeanors with fines up to $100.
Restriction on manner of panhandling. A panhandler shall be guilty of a misdemeanor if the panhandling takes place in the following manner:
(1) By approaching, and coming within three feet of, the person being solicited, unless the person being solicited has initiated the interaction and/or has indicated that he or she wishes to make a donation;
(2) By blocking the path of the person being solicited;
(3) By following a person who walks away from the panhandler;
(4) By using profane or abusive language, either during the solicitation or following a refusal;
(5) By making a threatening statement, gesture, or other communication to the person being solicited.
E. False or misleading solicitation. A person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor if he or she knowingly makes a false or misleading representation while panhandling. A false or misleading representation would include, but is not limited to, any of the following actions:
(1) Stating that the donation is for a need or purpose that does not actually exist;
(2) Stating that the solicitor is from out of town and stranded, when that is not true;
(3) Wearing a military uniform or other indication of military service, when the solicitor is neither a present nor former member of the service indicated;
(4) Wearing or displaying an indication of physical disability, when the solicitor does not suffer the disability indicated;
(5) Use of any makeup or device to simulate any deformity; or
(6)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4739915; v14 updated 2025-12-23; through 12-23-2025).
Full Breakdown
Fall River Code § 46-19 makes panhandling a misdemeanor after sunset or before sunrise, and at bus/train stops, on transit, or in vehicles on the street. Aggressive conduct under § 46-19(D) -- approaching within three feet, blocking a person's path, following someone who walks away, or using profane, abusive, or threatening language -- is a separate misdemeanor. False claims, like posing as homeless or disabled, are also barred. Police enforce the ordinance; fines run $50 for a first offense and $100 for each later one.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor citation enforced by Fall River Police; noncriminal fine of $50 for a first offense, $100 for each subsequent offense under § 46-19(G).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is panhandling illegal in Fall River, Massachusetts?
What's the penalty for aggressive panhandling in Fall River?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fall River
Compare Fall River to another location·View the Massachusetts public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.