Huntsville, AL Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 25-4, Roadblocks
- Where banned
- Traveled street/highway or nearby
- Conduct banned
- Soliciting money, sales, leaflets
- Exception
- Police license-check roadblocks
- Max penalty
- $500 fine / 6 months jail
Summary
Huntsville makes it illegal to stand in or near traveled traffic lanes soliciting money, selling goods, or handing out leaflets to drivers and passengers: the city's main tool against median and roadway panhandling.
It shall be unlawful for any person, either individually or in concert with others, to operate upon or adjacent to the traveled portion of any public street or highway of the city any roadblock, or to stand in the traveled portion of any public street or highway, or in close proximity thereto, while operating any roadblock, or while soliciting money, making sales of merchandise or handing out any pamphlets or leaflets to the drivers or passengers of vehicles traveling such street. This section shall not apply to any roadblock for a driver's license check or other legitimate law enforcement purpose by authorized officers of the city, county or state.
(Code 1982, § 14-9)
State Law reference— Obstructing vehicular or pedestrian traffic, Code of Ala. 1975, § 13A-11-7(a)(5).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 30 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 25-4, no one may operate a roadblock on or near a public street, or stand in the traveled portion of a street or highway (or close to it) while soliciting money, selling merchandise, or handing out pamphlets to drivers or passengers. The ban covers solo or group activity and applies citywide on any public street or highway. It exempts driver's license checkpoints and other legitimate law enforcement roadblocks. Violations fall under the Code's general penalty.
Violations & Fines
Up to $500 fine and/or up to 6 months in jail under the general penalty, Sec. 1-7; each day of a continuing violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone panhandle from a median in Huntsville?
Does this apply to charity roadblocks or car washes?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Huntsville
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