Bristol County, MA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: No-Knock Registry (2026)
Key Facts
- Registry
- Free enrollment
- Sign Authority
- MGL c. 266 §120
- Exempt
- Political, religious, nonprofit
- Sign-Up
- Online/phone/city hall
Summary
Several Bristol County municipalities maintain no-knock lists. Posted 'No Soliciting' signs must be honored by permitted commercial canvassers. Political and religious canvassing remain First Amendment protected.
Section 120. Whoever, without right enters or remains in or upon the dwelling house, buildings, boats or improved or enclosed land, wharf, or pier of another, or enters or remains in a school bus, as defined in section 1 of chapter 90, after having been forbidden so to do by the person who has lawful control of said premises, whether directly or by notice posted thereon, or in violation of a court order pursuant to section thirty-four B of chapter two hundred and eight or section three or four of chapter two hundred and nine A, shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days or both such fine and imprisonment. Proof that a court has given notice of such a court order to the alleged offender shall be prima facie evidence that the notice requirement of this section has been met. A person who is found committing such trespass may be arrested by a sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable or police officer and kept in custody in a convenient place, not more than twenty-four hours, Sunday excepted, until a complaint can be made against him for the offence, and he be taken upon a warrant issued upon such complaint. This section shall not apply to tenants or occupants of residential premises who, having rightfully entered said premises at the commencement of the tenancy or occupancy, remain therein after such tenancy or occupancy has been or is alleged to have been terminated.
Full Breakdown
Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, and several surrounding towns maintain voluntary no-knock registries residents can join free of charge. Registered addresses are distributed to all permitted commercial solicitors. Posted 'No Soliciting' or 'No Trespassing' signs under MGL c. 266 §120 carry equal weight, ignoring them is criminal trespass. Registry enrollment is typically online, by phone, or at the police department or city clerk. Registries do NOT apply to political campaigners, religious canvassers, charitable nonprofits, or children selling school fundraiser items, First Amendment protections under Watchtower v. Stratton (2002) limit municipal authority. Repeat violations by permitted solicitors lead to permit revocation.
Violations & Fines
Ignoring 'No Soliciting' sign: a penalty set by local ordinance or criminal trespass charge under MGL c. 266 §120 (up to $100 fine and/or 30 days jail). Visiting registered address: a penalty set by local ordinance. Repeated violations: permit revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical penalties for violating no knock rules rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bristol County
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