Billings, MT Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code Sec. 18-701
- Penalty
- Up to $500 fine, 6 months jail
- Officer must offer
- Chance to explain before arrest
- Related offense
- Prostitution loitering, Sec. 18-702
Summary
Billings makes it a misdemeanor to loiter or prowl in a manner that alarms others about safety, with a chance to explain yourself before arrest.
A person commits a violation if he loiters or prowls in a place, at a time, or in a manner not usual for law-abiding individuals under circumstances that warrant alarm for the safety of persons or property in the vicinity... A violation of this section is a misdemeanor with the penalties set forth in section 1-110.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
City Code Sec. 18-701 bans loitering or prowling "in a place, at a time, or in a manner not usual for law-abiding individuals" under circumstances warranting alarm for safety of persons or property. Flight from police, refusing to identify yourself, or hiding an object can count as alarming circumstances. Before arresting, an officer generally must give you a chance to identify yourself and explain your presence: if that explanation checks out, or the officer skipped the step, a conviction can't stand. A related section, Sec. 18-702, separately bans loitering to solicit prostitution in public places.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor under Sec. 1-110: fine up to $500, up to 6 months jail, or both; each day can count as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can police arrest me for loitering without warning?
Is simply standing on a sidewalk illegal in Billings?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Billings
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