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St. Louis, MO Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)

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

Key Facts

Bank/ATM buffer
50 feet
School buffer
50 feet
Curfew
8 p.m.-7 a.m. (DST)
Group panhandling
banned for 2+ persons
Third-offense max
30 days jail

Summary

St. Louis bans aggressive panhandling outright and bars all panhandling near banks, schools, transit stops, and building entrances, plus after dark and in groups of two or more.

A.It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in aggressive panhandling.B.It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the act of panhandling when either the panhandler or the person being solicited is located in, on, or at any of the following locations:1.In any public transportation vehicle;2.Within 50 feet of an automatic teller machine or entrance to a bank;...5.Within 50 feet of any public or private school;...D.It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the act of panhandling after 8:00 p.m. and before 7:00 a.m. during any dates on which Daylight Saving Time is in effect...

Source: City of St. Louis — SLMPDView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11).

Full Breakdown

City Code Chapter 15.44 makes aggressive panhandling unlawful outright and separately bans ordinary panhandling within set buffers: 50 feet of an ATM or bank entrance, 30 feet of any public building entrance, 50 feet of a school, 20 feet of a crosswalk, at bus/train stops and cab stands, in transit vehicles, and inside any government building, park, golf course, or playground. Panhandling is also banned on private property without the owner's written permission, after 8 p.m. and before 7 a.m. (7 p.m.-7 a.m. when Daylight Saving Time is not in effect), and by groups of two or more. Charitable organizations are exempt.

Violations & Fines

First offense draws a warning only. A second violation brings a court summons and possible fine of $50-$500 or community service; a third or later violation adds up to 30 days imprisonment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is all panhandling illegal in St. Louis?
No. Passively sitting or standing with a sign is not "panhandling" under the ordinance, and vocal panhandling is legal outside the listed buffer zones, curfew hours, and group restriction.
What happens on a first panhandling violation?
The person gets a warning ticket only, with referral to a community outreach program: no court summons until a second violation.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in St. Louis

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All St. Louis rules

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