Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Fairfax County, VA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: No-Knock Registry (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Sign honored
"No Peddlers or Solicitors" or words of similar import
Allowed hours
9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Penalty
Class 2 misdemeanor
Applies to
Canvassers, peddlers, solicitors

Summary

Fairfax County Code Section 31-1-2 makes it unlawful for any canvasser, peddler, or solicitor to ring the bell, knock, or otherwise try to gain admittance at any residence, dwelling, or apartment displaying a "No Peddlers or Solicitors" sign, and separately confines all canvassing, peddling, and soliciting to the hours between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Fairfax County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(a)It shall be unlawful for any canvasser, peddler, or solicitor to ring the bell, or knock on the door, or otherwise attempt to gain admittance for the purpose of canvassing, peddling or soliciting at any residence, dwelling or apartment at which a sign bearing the words "No Peddlers or Solicitors" or words of similar import indicating that such persons are not wanted on said premises, is painted, affixed or otherwise exposed to public view.(b)It shall be unlawful for any canvasser, peddler, or solicitor, to canvass, peddle, or solicit except between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M.

Full Breakdown

Section 31-1-2 contains two independent rules, and a door-to-door seller can violate either one on its own. Subsection (a) is the posted-sign rule. It applies at any residence, dwelling, or apartment where a sign bearing the words "No Peddlers or Solicitors", or words of similar import indicating that such persons are not wanted on the premises, is painted, affixed, or otherwise exposed to public view. The sign does not need to use those exact words, but it does need to be visible. Once it is, the ordinance bars more than knocking: ringing the bell, knocking on the door, or otherwise attempting to gain admittance are all unlawful when done for the purpose of canvassing, peddling, or soliciting.

That purpose element matters, since the ban targets the sales or canvassing visit itself, not every person who approaches the door. Subsection (b) is the hours rule, and it applies whether or not a home posts any sign. m. An early morning or late evening knock violates the code even at a home with no sign at all.

Violations & Fines

Violating either the posted-sign rule or the 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. hours limit is a Class 2 misdemeanor under Section 31-1-4.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my sign have to say exactly "No Peddlers or Solicitors"?
No. Section 31-1-2(a) honors a sign bearing those words or words of similar import indicating solicitors are not wanted, as long as the sign is painted, affixed, or otherwise exposed to public view.
What hours can solicitors knock on doors in Fairfax County?
Only between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Canvassing, peddling, or soliciting outside those hours is unlawful even at homes with no sign posted.
Does the no-soliciting sign rule cover apartments?
Yes. Subsection (a) applies at any residence, dwelling, or apartment where the sign is exposed to public view.
What happens to a solicitor who ignores the rules?
Either violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor under Section 31-1-4.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fairfax County

All Fairfax County rules

Compare Fairfax County to another location·View the Virginia soliciting & door-to-door overview

Get notified when No-Knock Registry in Fairfax County, VA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

No-Knock Registry in Cities Across Fairfax County