Hempstead, NY Soliciting & Door-to-Door: No-Knock Registry (2026)
Key Facts
- No-knock signs
- Legally binding on solicitors
- Permitted hours
- 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Applies to exempt groups
- Yes, hours still apply
- Commercial premises
- Written owner permission required
- Fine
- $500 per offense
Summary
Hempstead bans door-to-door solicitors from entering private property posted with a "no peddlers," "no solicitors," or "do not knock" sign, and limits all house-to-house selling and canvassing to between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
It shall be unlawful for any person to enter upon private premises for the purpose of peddling or soliciting where there is posted, painted or otherwise affixed or displayed in plain view of a "no peddlers" or "no solicitors" or "do not knock" sign. ... It shall be unlawful for any person to enter upon private premises for the purpose of peddling or soliciting except between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on any day of the week.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4863878; v67 updated 2026-04-28; through 04-28-2026).
Full Breakdown
Town Code § 118-11 sets the ground rules for private-property visits by peddlers and solicitors. Subsection A bars anyone from entering private premises for peddling or soliciting where a "no peddlers," "no solicitors," or "do not knock" sign is posted, painted, or otherwise displayed in plain view, a provision amended in 2015 to sharpen its enforcement. , regardless of signage. Subsection C separately requires anyone soliciting at a commercial establishment to first get the owner's or manager's express written permission before approaching customers or employees on-site.
time restriction in § 118-11B, meaning even exempt canvassers must stay within those hours. Utility company representatives are exempt from both the license and the hours restriction. Enforcement falls to Nassau County police and other peace officers, who may arrest or issue appearance tickets and must report offenses to the Town Clerk, who keeps a record of complaints and convictions used in later license revocation proceedings.
Violations & Fines
Entering a posted property or knocking outside the 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. window is a violation of § 118-11 punishable under § 118-16 by a $500 fine per offense, with each day of continued violation treated as a separate offense. A licensed peddler or solicitor cited for this can also have their license suspended or revoked by the Town Clerk after notice and a hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does posting a "no soliciting" sign actually stop peddlers in Hempstead?
What hours can solicitors knock on doors in Hempstead?
Can someone solicit inside a store in Hempstead without asking first?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hempstead
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