Spartanburg County, SC Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

Section 60-2, adopted by Ordinance No. O-07-14 in 2007, targets loitering that manifests a purpose to solicit prostitution, other illegal sexual activity, or illegal drug-related activity in any 'public place,' a term the ordinance defines to include streets, sidewalks, parking lots, parked or moving vehicles, and the doorways and grounds of buildings open to the public. Loiter itself means delaying or lingering on property without a lawful purpose while a crime opportunity is being sought. For prostitution-related loitering, officers may weigh whether the person is a known prostitute or panderer with a conviction in the past year, repeatedly beckons or stops passersby, or repeatedly hails motorists.

For drug-related loitering, the ordinance lists eight non-exclusive factors: being a known unlawful drug user, possessor or seller; having received prior notice about presence in a high-drug-activity area or being under a related probation order; behaving like a lookout; being identified as a gang member whose group's principal purpose is drug activity; transferring small objects for money in a furtive way; fleeing when police appear; concealing oneself or an object; or using a vehicle registered to a known drug offender or a person with an outstanding drug-related warrant. None of these factors alone is conclusive; the statute directs that they be considered 'among the circumstances' supporting the required intent.