Annapolis, MD Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- Annapolis City Code § 11.12.060
- Trigger
- Obstructing a public street or sidewalk
- Required step
- Police order to move on first
- Penalty
- Up to $100 fine or 90 days
- Classification
- Misdemeanor
Summary
Annapolis bars loitering that blocks streets, sidewalks or public places, but only after police order the person to move on and disperse; refusing that order is the actual violation, punishable as a misdemeanor.
A. A person may not loiter, loaf, wander, stand or remain idle...in a public place in a manner so as to: 1. Obstruct any public street, public highway, public sidewalk or any other public place or building by hindering or impeding...the free and uninterrupted passage of vehicles, traffic or pedestrians...B. When any person causes or commits any of the conditions enumerated in Subsection A of this section, a police officer...shall order that person to stop...and to move on or disperse. Any person who fails or refuses to obey the orders violates this section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Annapolis City Code § 11.12.060 makes it unlawful to loiter, loaf, wander, stand or remain idle in a public place in a way that obstructs a public street, sidewalk, or other public place or building, hindering or impeding free passage of vehicles, traffic or pedestrians, or interferes with a lawfully conducted business fronting the space. The ordinance doesn't criminalize the loitering itself first: a police officer must first order the person to stop and move on or disperse; only refusing that order violates the section. Violators face a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine and imprisonment set by City Council resolution, currently up to $100 or 90 days, or both.
Violations & Fines
Failing to obey a police officer's order to stop and disperse after obstructing a public street, sidewalk or public place; misdemeanor punishable by up to $100 fine or 90 days imprisonment, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is loitering illegal in Annapolis?
What's the penalty for violating Annapolis's loitering law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Annapolis
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