Pittsburgh prohibits aggressive panhandling under Pittsburgh Code Title 6, banning solicitation that involves physical contact, following, blocking, or soliciting near ATMs, transit stops, and outdoor cafes. Passive sign-holding remains constitutionally protected speech.
Pittsburgh Code Title 6 Chapter 601, the Aggressive Panhandling Ordinance, restricts in-person solicitation involving touching, intimidation, repeated requests after refusal, profane language, or following another person. Solicitation is also prohibited within set distances of automated teller machines, bank entrances, sidewalk cafes, and Pittsburgh Regional Transit stops. Following the U.S. Supreme Court's Reed v. Town of Gilbert decision, Pittsburgh narrowed enforcement to conduct-based rules rather than message-based bans, ensuring passive sign-holding by unhoused residents remains lawful. Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and outreach partners coordinate enforcement with social-service referrals.
Aggressive panhandling citations may bring fines, summary disorderly conduct charges, and in repeat or violent cases harassment misdemeanor charges in Allegheny County Magisterial Court.
See how Pittsburgh's aggressive panhandling rules stack up against other locations.
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