Knoxville, TN Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)
Key Facts
- Core rule
- No 'aggressive manner' solicitation in public
- Buffer after refusal
- 20 feet
- Time restriction
- No solicitation, sunset to sunrise
- ATM/crosswalk buffer
- 20 feet
- Penalty basis
- General penalty, Section 1-9
- Also banned
- False or misleading solicitation claims
Summary
Knoxville makes it unlawful to solicit money, goods or services "in an aggressive manner" in any public area, defining aggressive conduct to include touching, following, blocking someone's path, using threatening language, or repeating a request within twenty feet after being refused. A companion list bars solicitation after dark and near ATMs, crosswalks, bus stops and building entrances.
Sec. 16-448. - Aggressive solicitation. It shall be unlawful for any person to solicit money or other things of value, or to solicit the sale of goods or services, in an aggressive manner in a public area.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80).
Full Breakdown
Section 16-448 of the Knoxville Code of Ordinances states plainly: "It shall be unlawful for any person to solicit money or other things of value, or to solicit the sale of goods or services, in an aggressive manner in a public area." Section 16-447 defines "aggressive manner" to include intentionally touching the person solicited without consent; following them in a way intended or likely to cause fear of imminent bodily harm or intimidate them into giving; continuing to solicit within twenty feet of someone after they have refused, if that continued solicitation is intended or likely to frighten or intimidate; intentionally blocking a person's or vehicle's safe passage; using obscene or abusive language or gestures meant to frighten or intimidate; and approaching in a manner intended to cause fear or intimidation. "Public area" is defined broadly to include streets, sidewalks, parking lots, parks, plazas and building entrances and doorways.
A companion provision, Section 16-449, bars solicitation altogether, aggressive or not, after sunset and before sunrise; within twenty feet of a bus stop, taxi stand, crosswalk, ATM, pay phone, public restroom entrance, sidewalk cafe or parking-lot pay box; from vehicle occupants; from anyone standing in line to enter a business; on private property after the owner has objected or posted a no-soliciting sign; and in a city-owned parking lot or garage. Section 16-450 separately criminalizes false or misleading solicitation, such as falsely claiming to be homeless, stranded or a service member. Section 16-451 states the division is not meant to reach demands for payment for goods or services actually rendered, and is severable if any part is struck down as unconstitutional.
Violations & Fines
The aggressive-solicitation division sets no fine schedule of its own, so a violation of Sections 16-448 through 16-450 falls under the Code's general penalty in Section 1-9: a misdemeanor conviction carrying a fine of up to fifty dollars ($50.00), repayment of up to five hundred dollars ($500.00) in city administrative costs, up to thirty (30) days imprisonment, or both, with each day a violation continues treated as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as 'aggressive' solicitation in Knoxville?
Where else is panhandling restricted in Knoxville besides aggressive solicitation?
Is it illegal to solicit near an outdoor restaurant patio in Knoxville?
What penalty applies to an aggressive solicitation violation in Knoxville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Knoxville
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