Frederick County, VA Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)

1 of the Frederick County Code, added to Chapter 158's traffic article, targets begging and panhandling specifically where it intersects with roadways rather than regulating solicitation generally. ' The able-bodied language forecloses any argument that only certain panhandlers are covered; the ban reaches anyone soliciting in the roadway or its designated right-of-way. A first infraction draws a fine of not more than $100, and a second or subsequent infraction draws a fine of not more than $200, both capped rather than mandatory amounts a court sets within that ceiling.

2, which separately bans soliciting or selling to occupants of motor vehicles from a stand or otherwise on a street, highway or law-enforcement right-of-way, with the identical two-tier $100/$200 fine structure, so a roadside vendor working car windows faces the same escalating penalty as a panhandler. Because both are classified as traffic infractions rather than misdemeanors, they are handled through the traffic docket rather than as criminal charges, and the Sheriff's Office is the enforcing agency under Chapter 158's general enforcement structure at § 158-5. The ordinance applies only in the unincorporated county; begging in Winchester, Stephens City or Middletown falls under each town's own code.