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Door-to-Door Selling
The police department receives frequent calls about door-to-door peddling, solicitation and trespassing. A limited amount of this kind of activity is restricted by the Prince William County Code, but there are often misunderstandings about what police can enforce.
Below is a guideline to help residents determine what is, and is not, allowed in terms of individuals selling goods or services door-to-door.
GUIDELINES
Expand all- NON-RESTRICTED ACTIVITY
- Co-op sales related to farm produce, newspapers, firewood and Christmas trees.
- Political party or candidate activity.
- Charitable educational or religious activity.
- Door-to-door activity that is subject to restrictions is included within Chapter 18 of the County Code. Specifically:
- Most private entities are required to obtain a permit and must exhibit it to any resident.
- Door-to-door activity is not permitted from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.
- HANDBILLS (FLIERS)
Handbills may be subject to the restrictions of Chapter 18 of the County Code as outlined above.
Placing handbills in/on mailboxes violates U.S. Post Office regulations -- not any local law that is subject to Prince William County Police jurisdiction. If they are distributed in such a way that it litters is a violation of Chapter 22 of the County Code.
- TRESPASSING
Property owners may prohibit persons from trespassing on their property, but the person must first be put on notice. Signs are enforceable. Verbal in-person notice will suffice. Written notice personally served on the party is optimal.
The police department also manages a trespassing program that allows police officers to act as an agent for communities or subdivisions to enforce trespassing offenses. In those communities:
- Areas of common property or private streets are enforceable. This includes private trails and play areas.
- Streets under public domain (i.e. those maintained by VDOT) and the sidewalks within the right-of-way are not enforceable.
- Private signs (such as 'no soliciting' signs) may not be placed in the state right-of-way.
