Stratford, CT Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)
Key Facts
- Fine
- $150 per offense (§ 116-37)
- Bus stop buffer
- No aggressive asking within 25 feet of any bus stop
- Vehicle rule
- No aggressive asking of occupants of a vehicle in traffic
- Adopted
- 4-8-2013, Ord. No. 13-03
- False or misleading asking
- Banned in all circumstances (§ 116-35(B))
- Constitutional savings clause
- § 116-36 preserves protected speech
Summary
The Town of Stratford, Connecticut, bans asking, begging or soliciting alms in an aggressive manner in any place open to the general public, and bans asking in a false or misleading manner anywhere. Aggressive asking is also barred on public transportation, within 25 feet of a bus stop, and toward occupants of vehicles in traffic. The fine is $150 per offense.
A. No person may ask, beg or solicit alms, including money and other things of value, in an aggressive manner in any place open to the general public, including, but not limited to, sidewalks, streets, alleys, driveways, parking lots, parks, plazas, buildings, doorways and entrances to buildings, near automatic teller machines and gasoline service stations and the grounds enclosing buildings. B. No person may ask, beg, or solicit alms, including money and other things of value, in a false or misleading manner. C. No person may ask, beg, or solicit alms in an aggressive manner in any public transportation vehicle, or within 25 feet of any bus stop. D. No person may ask, beg, or solicit alms in an aggressive manner from any operator or occupant of a motor vehicle that is in traffic on a public street.
Full Breakdown
Stratford Code Chapter 116, Article VII, adopted 4-8-2013 by Ord. No. 13-03, regulates panhandling. Section 116-33 states the purpose: to preserve public order, protect the citizens of Stratford and ensure the safe and uninterrupted passage of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, without unconstitutionally impinging upon protected speech, expression or conduct.
Section 116-35 sets four prohibitions. Subsection A bans aggressive solicitation in any place open to the general public, including sidewalks, streets, alleys, driveways, parking lots, parks, plazas, buildings, doorways and entrances to buildings, near automatic teller machines and gasoline service stations, and the grounds enclosing buildings. Subsection B bans asking in a false or misleading manner. Subsection C bans aggressive solicitation in any public transportation vehicle or within 25 feet of any bus stop. Subsection D bans aggressive solicitation from any operator or occupant of a motor vehicle in traffic on a public street.
Section 116-34 defines what makes asking aggressive. "Aggressive manner" covers intentionally approaching, speaking to or following a person in a way that would cause a reasonable person to fear bodily harm or a criminal act, intentionally touching another person without consent, continuing to ask after a negative response, following the person solicited before, after or while asking, intentionally or recklessly blocking the safe or free passage of a person or vehicle, and directing abusive or profane language at the person solicited. "False or misleading manner" includes claiming a need when the solicitor already has enough funds and does not disclose it, falsely claiming to be from out of town and stranded, displaying a disability the solicitor does not have, and using makeup or a device to simulate deformity.
Section 116-36 adds that nothing in the article is read to prohibit speech, expression or conduct protected by the laws or Constitution of the United States or of the State of Connecticut. A person who politely asks for money once and accepts a refusal is outside the aggressive-manner definition.
Violations & Fines
Under § 116-37, any person found in violation of any provision of the panhandling article is fined $150 per offense. The article names no separate enforcing officer, so enforcement runs through the Town of Stratford Police Department as with other Town ordinances. A false or misleading solicitation and an aggressive one are each separate prohibitions under § 116-35.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is panhandling illegal in Stratford, CT?
What counts as aggressive panhandling under the Stratford ordinance?
How much is the fine for panhandling violations in Stratford?
Does the ban cover asking for money from drivers stopped in traffic?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stratford
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