The streets of our cities are often stages for the silent plays of those seeking assistance, the panhandlers with cardboard signs and outstretched hands. It's a common sight, one that stirs different emotions and questions. As reported by the City of Eden Prairie, MN, residents and passersby alike need to understand the legality of panhandling. The act of asking for money is protected under the First Amendment and, thus, cannot simply be prohibited by any city in the U.S.

There are, however, rules that tether this freedom to the mast of public safety. Permissible on public property like sidewalks or parks, panhandlers must steer clear of roadways and medians where their presence could become a hitch for their safety or that of drivers. A statement released by the City of Eden Prairie makes it clear: panhandling should not endanger anyone's safety. Moreover, when panhandlers cast their lines on private property, it's up to the property owner to signal the authorities if they wish for intervention.

For those looking to better understand the boundaries of panhandling or seeking to learn more about local ordinances, the EPPD encourages a visit to their website.