‘No soliciting’ means salespeople aren’t welcome. What can you do if they persist?
Charlotte residents who do not want to be disturbed by salespeople often put “no soliciting” signs in their yards, indicating that canvassers are not welcome.
But the signs don’t always stop sellers from knocking on doors.
Local ordinances vary by location, but in Charlotte, signage meant to keep sellers away is not enforceable by law.
A “no soliciting” sign does not constitute a warning and holds no legal authority, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department community coordinator Chris Walters.
Here’s what to know about laws regarding solicitors in Charlotte, and how you can report them to CMPD.
Are there any laws regarding solicitors in Charlotte?
City laws prevent solicitors from knocking on your door during certain hours of the day.
According to the Charlotte Code of Ordinances, solicitors cannot knock on doors in residential areas between the hours of 8 p.m and 8 a.m, or between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. during daylight savings time.
Can CMPD arrest solicitors for trespassing?
Soliciting in residential areas is not a criminal offense in Charlotte, so solicitors can’t be detained by police officers, said Walters.
Police can make contact with and identify solicitors, but will not demand they leave a neighborhood or threaten them with arrest without first establishing probable cause, Walters said.
However, if solicitors are asked to leave private property and refuse to do so, that person can be arrested for trespassing. Homeowners have the right to trespass “anyone, anytime and without reason” in front of a law enforcement officer said Walters.
What can you do about solicitors?
Charlotte residents are encouraged to call 911 if they observe any suspicious people or activity, Walters said.
Callers can make anonymous reports and do not have to meet with an officer. By calling the police, law enforcement can identify an individual and the company they work for. Officers can also use the data gathered to investigate crimes within a community, according to Walters.
“CMPD understands the frustration of residents who do not want uninvited guests walking around their neighborhood. However, remain mindful that this is not a criminal matter,” Walters said. “CMPD officers have been trained on dealing with solicitors and have no issues with responding to them.”
