What You Need to Know About Protests
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 Free speech is one of our most cherished rights and with it being broadly exercised today, it is essential that everyone be aware of that right as stated in the US Constitution and as observed and administered by law enforcement. The following rules are those followed by the NYPD.
The Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution, 1st Amendment states: Congress Shall Make No Law Prohibiting Freedom of Speech; or The Right of the People Peaceably to Assemble.
In practice, however, notification to the local Police Precinct of occurrence is requested.
PROTESTS/DEMONSTRATIONS:
• There is no fee or permit required to form a protest /demonstration.
• The Police Department will designate all demonstration areas and has the right to place the group in sight & sound of the targeted location.
• Protestors must remain in the designated demonstration area during the event.
• Protestors may not obstruct the sidewalk or a building entrance(s).
• Signs cannot be attached to wooden, metal or plastic sticks. Signs may be hand held or attached to cardboard tubes.
• Protestors must not stand or climb upon structures at location and surrounding areas.
• Protestors must not attach signs to private or city property, such as walls, police barriers, trees, etc.
• The Police Department will determine the placement of platform risers or stages.
• The distribution of informational flyers is allowed on the sidewalk by designated members of the
group which will be determined by the Police Department. Distributing flyers to vehicles in traffic is prohibited.
SOUND DEVICE PERMIT (Amplified Sound):
• There is a fee and a permit is required to use a sound device.
• The fee for the use of a sound device is $45 for each day and $5 for each consecutive day up to a maximum of four (4) additional days.
• Application for sound permits are made at the local Police Precinct where the protest/demonstration is to occur.
• Application for sound permits must be made at least five (5) days prior to date upon which sound device is to be used or operated.
• A permit to operate a sound device is valid only at location(s) and date(s) designated during hours specified on permit.
• A sound device will be so operated as not to unnecessarily interfere with peace and comfort of residents at or near the designated site.
• The Police Department will not issue a sound permit:
o For use between the hours of 8 p.m. and 9 a.m.
o For any vehicle or other device while it is in transit.
MIDTOWN NORTH PRECINCT
• Any location within 500 feet of a school (when in session), court house (when in session), church (when in session) or hospital (24 hours).
• Any location where the Police Department, upon investigation, determines that a designated site constitutes a threat to the safety of pedestrians or vehicle operators.
SIDEWALK MARCH:
• There is no fee or permit required to form a sidewalk march.
• Sidewalk march routes must follow the flow of vehicular traffic.
• Sidewalk march is usually the most direct route.
• Sound devices are not permitted during any march.
INFLATABLE RATE:
• There is no fee or permit required to display inflatables.
• Inflatables can be placed on the sidewalk or on the street, but must not impede pedestrian traffic or vehicular traffic.
• Inflatables can’t be placed in the back of a vehicle or on top of a vehicle.
• Inflatables can’t be placed in "No Standing Anytime" zones or in Bus Stops.
If you need more information or have any questions regarding protests/demonstrations, please contact your local precinct’s Community Affairs Officer(s).    
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