§ 54-19. Loitering in or obstructing public places.

(a)

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Loiter encompasses but shall not necessarily be limited to one or more of the following acts:

(1)

Obstruction of the free unhampered passage of pedestrians or vehicles.

(2)

Obstructing, molesting or interfering with any person lawfully upon any highway, street, park or other public place.

(3)

Refusing to move on when so requested by a peace officer, provided the peace officer has exercised his discretion reasonably under the circumstances in order to preserve or promote public peace and order.

Public place includes the quasipublic area in front of or adjacent to any store, shop, restaurant, luncheonette or other place of business and includes also any parking lots or other vacant private property not owned or under the dominion of the person charged with a violation of this section.

(b)

No person shall loiter, lounge or sleep in or upon any highway, street, park or public place or in any public building or obstruct the access to any public building or any part thereof, or obstruct passage through or upon any public highway, street, park or public place.

(Code 1988, § 8-20)

State Law reference— Prohibiting loitering, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-926.

(Code 1988, § 8-20)

State law reference

Prohibiting loitering, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-926.