Loitering Rules
Public Conduct
Constitutional limits on loitering ordinances post-Papachristou and Morales, and what conduct LA can still penalize (e.g., loitering with intent to commit specific crimes).
How Loitering Rules Rules Differ by Place
Menifee, CA: Menifee Bans Loitering on Medians and Parkways
Heavy RestrictionsMenifee Municipal Code Section 11.08.030(F) bars anyone from lingering or loitering on a street median or parkway, and separately bars soliciting there in any manner inconsistent with…
Pasco County, FL: Pasco County Bars Sex Offenders From Loitering Near Kids
Heavy RestrictionsPasco County has no general public loitering ordinance. Its only loitering rule, Code § 66-69, bans a person convicted of specified sexual offenses against minors from loitering or…
Fall River, MA: Fall River Copicut Reservoir Loitering Ban
Heavy RestrictionsFall River bans loitering, parties, and alcohol on the City-owned watershed land surrounding Copicut Reservoir, with fines up to $5,000 per violation.
Birmingham, AL: Birmingham Loitering Law: Begging, Gambling, Solicitation
Some RestrictionsBirmingham makes it a crime to loiter or wander in a public place for begging, gambling, or soliciting prostitution or deviate sexual intercourse, or to loiter in a bus or transit…
Huntsville, AL: Huntsville Bans Loitering on Private Property
Some RestrictionsHuntsville makes it a misdemeanor to loiter, prowl or wander onto someone else's private premises, enclosed lot or dwelling without the owner or lessee's permission. Sec. 17-103 needs…
Anchorage, AK: Anchorage Pedestrian Interference Ban
Some RestrictionsAnchorage bans intentionally and substantially blocking pedestrian or vehicle passage in any public place, a class B misdemeanor under AMC 8.30.125.
Cities & Counties with Loitering Rules Rules
417 locations
California
Massachusetts
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Other Public Conduct Topics
Aggressive Panhandling
LAMC §41.59 prohibits panhandling that involves intimidation, blocking, or following a person, including penalties and how it differs from passive solicitation.
Public Urination
LAMC §41.47.2 prohibits urinating or defecating in public, including the citation amount, exemptions for medical conditions, and where to find restroom alternatives.
Skateboarding Rules
LAMC §56.15 and §63.44 limits on skateboarding on sidewalks, in parks, and in commercial corridors, including helmet requirements and skate-park designations.
Loud Party Ordinance
LAMC §41.40 unruly-gathering ordinance allowing police to cite hosts for second-response calls, including escalating fines and permit-revocation triggers.
Outdoor Smoking Restrictions
LAMC §41.50 + LA County smoking bans in parks, beaches, restaurants, outdoor dining, and within 25 ft of business entrances; enforcement and signage rules.
Jaywalking
CA AB-2147 (Freedom to Walk Act, 2023) restricting jaywalking citations to immediate-danger situations, and how LAPD enforces the new standard.
Public Marijuana Use
CA Health & Safety Code §11362.3 prohibits cannabis use in public, including parks, sidewalks, and inside vehicles; penalties and consumption-lounge exceptions.
Public Alcohol Use
LAMC §41.27 + CA Bus & Prof §25620 prohibit drinking alcohol on public streets, sidewalks, parks, and beaches; penalties and special-event exemptions.