Winston-Salem, NC Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 38-31(e)
- No-solicit zone
- 100 feet of banks/ATMs
- License
- free panhandler badge required
- Penalty
- class 3 misdemeanor, up to $500
- Timing limit
- no soliciting after dark
Summary
Winston-Salem bans accosting, blocking, or forcing oneself on anyone while begging, plus soliciting near ATMs, bus stops, parking garages, schools, and after dark; panhandlers must also carry a city-issued license.
It shall be unlawful for any person to ask, beg or solicit, or exhibit oneself for the purpose of begging or soliciting, as defined in subsection (d)(1) above:(1)By accosting another, or by forcing oneself upon the company of another;(2)Within 100 feet of an entrance or exit of any bank or financial institution or other establishment whose primary function is dispensing cash or within 100 feet of any automatic teller machine or other machine which dispenses money to the public.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 102 | Personnel: Supplement 96 | Water and Sewer: Supplement 56 | Solid Waste: Supplement 15).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 38-31 bans 24 specific panhandling behaviors in Winston-Salem: accosting a passerby, forcing oneself upon their company, soliciting within 100 feet of a bank or ATM, approaching people at transit stops, outdoor dining areas, or lines outside businesses, touching a person or vehicle without consent, using profane language or threatening gestures, and begging after dark or while intoxicated. Every panhandler must also register for a free license and badge from the revenue collector under § 34-18, wear it visibly, and show it to police on request. Violating either section is a class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4, fined up to $500.
Violations & Fines
Accosting, blocking, touching without consent, or soliciting near an ATM, bank, transit stop, or after dark is a class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4, fined up to $500; unlicensed panhandling is a separate misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is panhandling legal in Winston-Salem?
What counts as "accosting" under the ordinance?
What happens if someone violates the panhandling ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Winston-Salem
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