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Indianapolis, IN Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Group threshold
3+ persons = unlawful assembly
Trigger
refusing a police order to move
Defense
true explanation believed at trial
Governing section
Sec. 407-103

Summary

Refusing a police order to move on while loitering in a way that risks a breach of the peace or blocks traffic is a Code violation in Indianapolis.

No person shall loiter or prowl in a place, at a time or in a manner not usual for law abiding citizens, under circumstances that warrant a justifiable and reasonable alarm or immediate concern for the safety of persons or property in the vicinity, in any public way, street, highway, place or alley and refuse to obey the lawful command of a police officer to move on or provide to such police officer a lawful reason for remaining on such public way, street, highway, place or alley if the alleged loitering by such person would create or cause to be created any of the following...

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 47 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Indianapolis Code Sec. 407-103 bars loitering or prowling in a public way, street or alley in a manner not usual for law-abiding citizens if it creates danger of a breach of the peace, disturbs pedestrians' comfort, obstructs traffic, or interferes with someone's safety, and the person then refuses a police officer's lawful order to move on or explain their presence. The same standard applies to unlawful assemblies of three or more people. A true, believed explanation given at trial is a defense.

Violations & Fines

First violation in a calendar year: civil penalty via the ordinance violations bureau. Second and later violations: enforcement and penalties under Sec. 103-3.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be cited just for standing on a sidewalk in Indianapolis?
No: the ordinance only applies if your presence creates danger of a breach of the peace, blocks traffic or safety, and you refuse a police officer's lawful order to move or explain.
Does loitering with a group carry different rules?
Yes, three or more people loitering together under the same risky circumstances can be charged as an unlawful assembly under the same section.

Sources & Official References

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