Louisville, KY Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Disorderly Conduct, Louisville Metro Code § 132.03
- Max fine
- $250
- Max jail
- 90 days
- Covers
- Gambling, drug use, schools, transit
Summary
Loitering for gambling, drug use, or unauthorized solicitation in schools and transit facilities is disorderly conduct under Metro's code, punishable by a fine and jail time.
No person shall loiter or remain in a public place for the purpose of unlawful gambling... No person shall loiter or remain in a public place for the purpose of unlawfully using a controlled substance; or No person shall loiter or remain in a school, college or university building or grounds, not having any reason or relationship involving custody of or responsibility for a pupil or student... No person shall loiter or remain in any transportation facility, unless specifically authorized to do so, for the purpose of soliciting or engaging in any business, trade or commercial transactions...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-47: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinances passed by the Council and approved by the Mayor as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Louisville Metro's disorderly conduct ordinance bans loitering or remaining in a public place to gamble unlawfully or use a controlled substance, loitering in school buildings or grounds without a legitimate reason or permission, and loitering in transportation facilities to solicit sales without authorization. It also bars blocking traffic by unlawfully congregating in a public way and refusing to clear it when a Louisville Metro Police officer orders the crowd to disperse. Violating any part of the section is a single disorderly conduct offense.
Violations & Fines
Up to a $250 fine and/or 90 days in jail per offense; unlawfully blocking a public way and refusing to disperse on police order is also charged under the same section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is loitering itself illegal in Louisville?
What is the penalty for loitering-related disorderly conduct?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Louisville
Compare Louisville to another location·View the Kentucky public conduct overview
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