Boston and other Suffolk County cities honor posted "No Soliciting" signs under local ordinances. Boston does not currently operate a central no-knock registry but enforces posted-sign violations and state telemarketing do-not-call laws separately.
Suffolk County cities handle no-knock enforcement at the municipal level. Boston does not operate a centralized no-soliciting registry as of 2025 (unlike some suburban MA towns), but Boston Municipal Code Β§17-1 makes it a violation for a licensed peddler to continue solicitation after being asked to leave or where a "No Soliciting" sign is posted. Posted signs must be clearly visible at the primary entrance. Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop each enforce similar posted-sign protections under their solicitor-permit ordinances. Residents can report violations to local police non-emergency lines or Boston's 311. Violators risk permit suspension or revocation. For phone solicitations, Massachusetts operates its own Do Not Call Registry (separate from federal) under MGL c. 159C Β§Β§1-8, administered by the Attorney General β registration free and calls violating the list carry fines up to $5,000 per call. Religious, political, and nonprofit-charitable canvassing is constitutionally protected (Watchtower v. Stratton) β but charities still must register with the AG under MGL c. 68 for fund-solicitation. Posted-sign enforcement generally applies only to commercial solicitors.
Ignoring a posted Boston "No Soliciting" sign: $100-$500 plus Hawkers & Peddlers permit suspension. MA Do Not Call violations: up to $5,000 per call under MGL c. 159C Β§5. Harassment or trespass after being asked to leave: criminal charges under MGL c. 266 Β§120.
Suffolk County, MA
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See how Suffolk County's no-knock registry rules stack up against other locations.
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