Tacoma, WA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

It is unlawful for any person to loiter in or near any thoroughfare, place open to the public, or near any public or private place in a manner and under circumstances manifesting the intent to engage in drug-related activity contrary to any of the provisions of Chapters 69.41, 69.50, or 69.52 RCW.

B. Among the circumstances which may be considered in determining whether such intent is manifested are:

1. Such person is a known unlawful drug user, possessor, or seller. For purposes of this chapter, a "known unlawful drug user, possessor, or seller" is a person who has been convicted in any court within this state of any violation involving the use, possession, or sale of any of the substances referred to in Chapters 69.41, 69.50, and 69.52 RCW, or substantially similar laws of any political subdivision of this state or of any other state; or a person who displays physical characteristics of drug intoxication or usage, such as "needle tracks"; or a person who possesses drug paraphernalia as defined in Section 8.29 of the Official Code of the City of Tacoma;

2. Such person is currently subject to an order prohibiting his/her presence in a high drug activity geographic area;

3. Such person behaves in such a manner as to raise a reasonable suspicion that he or she is about to engage in or is then engaged in an unlawful drug-related activity, including by way of example only, such person acting as a "lookout";

4.