Winston-Salem, NC Soliciting & Door-to-Door: No-Knock Registry (2026)
Key Facts
- Sign rule
- Bars entry past posted no-solicitation sign
- Apartment opt-out
- Individual unit sign works even if complex isn't posted
- Commercial hours
- 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. or sunset
- Penalty
- Class 3 misdemeanor, up to $500 fine
- License
- Commercial solicitors need a city badge
Summary
Winston-Salem bars every door-to-door solicitor from entering a property posted with a "no solicitation" or "no trespassing" sign, and caps commercial door-to-door hours at 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. or sunset, whichever is earlier.
No solicitor, whether commercial or noncommercial, shall enter or remain upon any private premises in the city if a "no solicitation" or "no trespassing" sign is posted at or near the entrance(s) to such premises... an individual occupant may do so by the posting of a sign prohibiting solicitation at or near the entrance(s) to the occupant's individual residence.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 102 | Personnel: Supplement 96 | Water and Sewer: Supplement 56 | Solid Waste: Supplement 15).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 38-34(c)(1) makes it unlawful for any solicitor, commercial or noncommercial, to enter or remain on private premises posted with a "no solicitation" or "no trespassing" sign; the ban covers religious, charitable and political canvassing plus newspaper solicitation. Apartment residents can opt out individually by posting their own sign at their unit door even if the complex overall isn't posted. Separately, § 38-34(m)(4) bars door-to-door commercial solicitation before 9:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. or sunset, whichever comes first, and commercial solicitors must also hold a city revenue-collector license and badge.
Violations & Fines
Class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4, fine up to $500.00 per § 38-34(r); commercial solicitors also risk license revocation by the city revenue office for violating the sign or hours rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a "No Soliciting" sign carry legal weight in Winston-Salem?
Can one apartment resident opt out of solicitation if the complex isn't posted?
What hours can commercial door-to-door sellers knock in Winston-Salem?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Winston-Salem
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