LA County Code Title 13.10.040 prohibits aggressive solicitation in unincorporated areas, including blocking pedestrians, touching, intimidating language, or soliciting near ATMs, bus stops, and outdoor dining. Passive panhandling remains constitutionally protected, but aggressive conduct is an infraction enforced by LASD.
Title 13.10.040 of the LA County Code targets the manner of solicitation, not requests for money themselves, to stay within First Amendment limits set by Reed v. Town of Gilbert and Ninth Circuit precedent. Prohibited conduct includes following or intimidating a target, intentional physical contact, profane language directed at the donor, blocking sidewalk passage, and approaching an occupied vehicle. Solicitation is also restricted within fifteen feet of ATMs, bank entrances, bus stops, valet stands, and outdoor dining areas. The Sheriff's Department enforces in unincorporated zones, while incorporated cities apply their own ordinances. Officers typically warn before citing. Repeat or hostile conduct can escalate to misdemeanor charges.
First-offense aggressive solicitation is an infraction under Title 13.10.040, typically fined up to $250. Repeated or hostile violations can be charged as misdemeanors with up to six months jail and additional fines.
See how Santa Monica's aggressive panhandling rules stack up against other locations.
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