Anne Arundel County, MD Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- County Code § 9-1-704
- First offense
- Up to $100 or 30 days
- Repeat offense
- Up to $200 or 60 days
- Exempt activity
- Picketing, orderly demonstrations
- Trigger
- Refusal to leave after lawful request
Summary
Anne Arundel County bans loitering after a lawful order to move or leave, with fines up to $200 and 60 days in jail for repeat offenses.
"loiter" means for a person to: (1) remain on a public street, sidewalk, or pathway... so as to obstruct the free passage of a pedestrian or vehicle after a regular or special police officer has notified the person that the action is unlawful and has requested the person to move... A person who loiters is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to a fine not exceeding $100 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or both for the first offense and a fine not exceeding $200 or imprisonment not exceeding 60 days or both for a subsequent offense.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-93: County Code is current through May, 2026).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 9-1-704 makes it a misdemeanor to refuse to leave after being told to move by police, a property owner, or an authorized employee: covering blocked sidewalks, posted "No Loitering" businesses after hours, and schools or public buildings where a person has no apparent lawful purpose. Returning to the same spot within 24 hours after being told to leave also counts. Picketing and orderly demonstrations are expressly exempt. This applies countywide, including unincorporated communities like Glen Burnie and Severna Park; Annapolis and Highland Beach enforce their own municipal codes instead.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor: up to $100 fine or 30 days jail (first offense); up to $200 fine or 60 days jail (repeat offense).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is loitering illegal in unincorporated Anne Arundel County?
Does this apply in Glen Burnie or Severna Park?
Can I be charged for peaceful picketing?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anne Arundel County
Compare Anne Arundel County to another location·View the Maryland public conduct overview
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