Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing law
City Code Ch. 602, § 602.04(b)(2)
Captive-audience buffer
25 ft of ATMs, cafes, ticket lines
First offense
Warning ticket, no summons
Second offense fine
$50 plus costs
Legal panhandling hours
Sunrise to sunset only

Summary

Pittsburgh bans aggressive panhandling outright, defining it as intimidating approaches, following, unwanted touching, or threatening gestures made while soliciting money.

Aggressive Panhandling. Panhandling in an aggressive manner is prohibited. Aggressive panhandling shall be defined as: a. Approaching or speaking to a person, or following a person ... if that conduct is intended or is likely to cause a reasonable person to fear bodily harm ... or otherwise be intimidated into giving money or any other thing of value; b. Intentionally touching or causing physical contact with another person without that person's consent in the course of panhandling; or c. Directing violent or threatening gestures toward the subject of the panhandling.

Source: Pittsburgh Bureau of PoliceView official code

Full Breakdown

City Code § 602.04(b)(2) prohibits aggressive panhandling in any manner or at any time, covering approaching or following someone in a way likely to make a reasonable person fear harm or feel intimidated into giving money, intentional physical contact without consent, and violent or threatening gestures. Section 602.04(a) separately bars all panhandling within 25 feet of sidewalk cafes, ticket lines, ATMs, and religious assembly entrances, and within 10 feet of street vendors or bus stops, regardless of manner. Ordinary non-threatening panhandling remains legal between sunrise and sunset under § 602.03.

Violations & Fines

First offense: warning ticket with an offer of a voluntary Outreach Team evaluation. Second: citation, up to $50 fine plus costs and/or 100 hours community service. Third and later: escalating citation under § 602.05(c); failure to complete ordered community service can mean up to 30 days jail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as aggressive panhandling in Pittsburgh?
Following or approaching someone in a way likely to cause fear of harm, touching them without consent, or making violent or threatening gestures while soliciting money.
Is regular panhandling legal in Pittsburgh?
Yes. Non-aggressive panhandling is allowed in public areas between sunrise and sunset if it avoids captive-audience zones like ATMs and cafe seating.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Pittsburgh

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsSkateboarding RulesSignificant RestrictionsPublic Marijuana UseSignificant RestrictionsOutdoor Smoking RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsPublic UrinationSignificant RestrictionsLoud Party OrdinanceSome RestrictionsPublic Alcohol UseSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome Restrictions

All Pittsburgh rules

Compare Pittsburgh to another location·View the Pennsylvania public conduct overview

Get notified when Aggressive Panhandling in Pittsburgh, PA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.