EXPLANATION SHEET FOR PEDDLER’S AND SOLICITOR’S LAW

I. Please Print or Type the information to be supplied on the Registration Application form. Application forms not fully completed could result in delay or denial of ID card issuance.

II. Peddling means moving about the County by foot or vehicle of any kind, from place to place, house to house, door to door, or upon any street or highway, for the purpose of selling, and simultaneously delivering or offering for sale and simultaneous delivery, at retail, any goods, wares, merchandise, services or foodstuffs of any kind whatever.

III. Soliciting means traveling about the County by foot or vehicle of any kind from place to place, house to house, door to door, or upon any street or highway, for the purpose of engaging in any one or more of the following activities:

1. Attempting to obtain orders for the sale and future delivery.

2. Attempting to obtain subscriptions to books, magazines, or newspapers, and every other kind of printed matter not published in Howard County, the State of Maryland or the District of Columbia.

IV. Section 14.700 of the Howard County Code states: “No person shall engage in soliciting or peddling in the County unless that person has obtained an identification (ID) card from the Administrator of Consumer Affairs.”

V. Section 14.700 also requires that the following rules be adhered to:

1. The holder of an ID must not represent, or in any way imply, that possession of an ID constitutes an endorsement by the County.

2. The holder of an ID card shall carry his ID card on his/her person while soliciting or peddling and shall display the ID card to any person who shall request to see it. The card holder must also leave the premises immediately if asked to do so by the consumer.

3. The holder of an ID card which is lost, stolen, or mutilated shall immediately report the loss or mutilation to the Administrator, Office of Consumer Affairs, for the issuance of a duplicate ID card.

4. Soliciting or peddling shall be conducted within the County only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

5. Along with the ID card, peddlers shall be issued a metal tag. This metal tag must be attached to the right side rear of the vehicle used in peddling and must be visible at all times.

6. An applicant for the peddling of foodstuffs of any kind must have obtained a separate permit from the Howard County Health Department showing compliance with the Health regulations governing food from facilities.

7. If during the period of which an ID card is issued there is any change in the factual information furnished on the application form, the ID card holder shall fully and promptly communicate the new information to the Administrator. Forms for the change of information are available from the Office of Consumer Affairs.

VI. Failure to provide complete and accurate information on the registration form could result in the denial, revocation, or suspension of an ID card.

VII. Any person who violates any of the provisions of this law shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined up to $500 or imprisoned for up to 30 days, or both. Additionally, the ID card can also be denied, revoked, or suspended for violations of the law.

VIII. The fees for ID cards are to be paid by cash, check, or money order only, and made payable to the “Director of Finance.” All ID’s are renewable July 1 of each year.

The following is the fee schedule for each ID card requested:

FULL YEAR ID July 1 to June 30 $100.00

The issuance of a duplicate card $5.00

ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE

TITLE 18.207- AMENDED SOLICITORS & PEDDLERS LAW

A new county law, Title 18.207, redefines where business activity can take place on county roads. The regulation prohibits the sale or solicitation of goods, services or donations from the paved “right of way” of any Howard County roadway with one exception. With a proper solicitor or peddler license, a person may conduct the sale or solicitation of goods, services or donations on a county road as follows:

• on roads that have a posted speed limit of 45 mph or less

• at a location in the shoulder that is at least 8 ft. from the edge line of the travel lane

• the site must be at least 100 ft. from the nearest intersection or other points of ingress or egress

• the site may be inspected by the Police Dept. or DPW

Soliciting or Peddling is also prohibited from the medians or county roadways without a Special Permit.

The Special Permit will allow a person to solicit or peddle up to 4 days per year, between the hours of 9:00 am to sunset, and is available from the Office of Consumer Affairs. To obtain a permit, an individual must:

• apply by application 21 days before an activity

• state the specific location of the sale or solicitation

• provide the county with a signed indemnification of liability

• state the 4 dates for selling or soliciting

• pay a fee of $100

• receive approval by the Howard County Police Dept. for the location

For further information, please contact the Office of Consumer Affairs at (410) 313-6420 M-F

Attention Salespersons:

Under Federal Trade Commission Rules and State Law, a salesperson must inform consumers of their cancellation rights and any contract must explain in writing the consumer’s right to cancel. This rule gives consumers three days to change their mind about any purchase of $25 or more made at the consumer’s home or away from the salesman’s primary place of business.