Yuma, AZ Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)

City Code § 115-02 makes it unlawful for any person or group to solicit money, other things of value, or the sale of goods or services in an aggressive manner in a public area; inside a public transportation vehicle or within 15 feet of a transit stop, bus stop, taxi stand or train platform, except that a vehicle operator may still request or accept a fare; within 15 feet of any bank or ATM entrance without the owner's consent; or immediately adjacent to a business entrance in a way that physically blocks entry or exit.

Section 115-01 defines AGGRESSIVE MANNER to include unwanted physical contact, following or approaching someone in a way intended or likely to cause fear of bodily harm or property loss, continuing to solicit within five feet of a person after they have given a negative response, intentionally obstructing a person's or a vehicle's safe passage, and using obscene or abusive language or gestures meant to intimidate or provoke fear. The ordinance carves out constitutionally protected picketing or legal protest and any activity under a city-issued permit, which do not count as obstruction.

PUBLIC AREA is defined broadly to include alleys, sidewalks, parking lots, parks, plazas and building entrances open to the public. The chapter was adopted by Ordinance O2015-009 in March 2015 and has not been amended since.