Fairfax County, VA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: No-Knock Registry (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.
(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"?
What hours can solicitors knock on doors in Fairfax County?
Does the no-soliciting sign rule cover apartments?
What happens to a solicitor who ignores the rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
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