Minneapolis, MN Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 466.240(b), Minneapolis Code
- Violation class
- Petit misdemeanor
- Protected activity
- Free speech and assembly exempt
- Related provision
- § 385.50 solicitation loitering
Summary
Minneapolis prohibits loitering, standing, sitting, or lying on any street, sidewalk, crosswalk, or public way with intent to block pedestrians or interfere with traffic flow, a petit misdemeanor under City Code § 466.240.
It shall be unlawful for any person individually or as a member of any group of persons to loiter, stand, sit, lie or remain upon or within any street, sidewalk, crosswalk or other public way or otherwise occupy any portion thereof with the intent or purpose to block, obstruct or interfere with the free passage of any pedestrian thereon or the orderly free flow of vehicular traffic on said street or public way.(c)This section shall not be interpreted to restrict the lawful exercise of freedom of speech and assembly.(d)Violation of this section is a petit misdemeanor. (Code 1960, As Amend., § 408.090; 84-Or-069, § 1, 4-27-84) Cross reference— For similar provisions relative to obstructing passage of pedestrians, § 427.220.
466.250—466.270. - Reserved. Editor's note— 90-Or-126, §§ 13—15, adopted May 11, 1989, repealed §§ 466.250—466.270. Said former sections pertained to obstructing driver's view or control, following or parking near fire apparatus and driving near fire stations, and parking near hydrants or fire stations, and were derived from Code 1960, as amended, §§ 421.090, 421.160, 640.230, 640.231.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
Minneapolis Code § 466.240(b) makes it unlawful for any person, alone or as part of a group, to loiter, stand, sit, lie, or remain on a street, sidewalk, crosswalk, or other public way with intent to block or interfere with pedestrian passage or vehicular traffic flow. Subsection (c) expressly exempts the lawful exercise of free speech and assembly, so peaceful gatherings aren't covered unless intent to obstruct passage is shown. A separate, narrower section (§ 385.50) targets loitering for prostitution or narcotics solicitation. Violating § 466.240 is a petit misdemeanor enforced by Minneapolis police citywide.
Violations & Fines
A petit misdemeanor citation under § 466.240(d); petit misdemeanors are fine-only under Minnesota law, carrying no jail time or criminal record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is peaceful protesting considered loitering in Minneapolis?
What's the penalty for violating Minneapolis's loitering ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minneapolis
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