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Bristol County, MA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: No-Knock Registry (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 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.

City-specific rules exist: Fall River has its own no-knock registry rules that differ from Bristol County's county-level regulations. If you live in Fall River, check the city-specific page instead.

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.

Source: MGL c. 266 §120 (Trespass)View official code

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?
Most Bristol County soliciting violations start with a written warning followed by escalating civil fines for repeat offenses. Specific dollar amounts and any criminal-misdemeanor exposure depend on the section of code; consult Bristol County's municipal code or staff for the current penalty schedule.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bristol County

All Bristol County rules

Compare Bristol County to another location·View the Massachusetts soliciting & door-to-door overview

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No-Knock Registry in Cities Across Bristol County