Winston-Salem, NC Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

City Code § 74-17 makes it unlawful to block or obstruct a public street, sidewalk, bridge, or walkway so as to prevent or hinder free passage of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, block ingress or egress to a building or business, or force a pedestrian to leave the sidewalk and walk on adjacent property or into the street. "Obstruct" is defined broadly to include standing or lying on a sidewalk or placing any object or vehicle on it. The section carves out an exception for stopping to talk or engage in First Amendment activity, so long as the sidewalk stays passable. Violations are a class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4, punishable by up to $500.00 per offense.