State College Ordinances
Many students from Penn State campuses visit University Park and State College. Whether you'll be attending the University Park campus or just visiting State College, there are two local ordinances that you also need to know about.
Open Container Ordinance
No open containers of alcoholic beverages are permitted in the following areas:
- Public parking lots
- Public parking garages
- Public streets
- Public sidewalks
- Public alleys
- Public parks
Violations result in fines of not less than $250.00 for the first offense; $500.00 for the second offense, and not less than $1,000.00 for any subsequent offenses in any 120-day period plus court costs, or 30 days in prison if fines and costs are not paid.
Public Urination and Defecation
It is illegal to urinate or defecate in any public areas other than in an appropriate sanitary facility. It is illegal in/on a public place, or private property where the public is admitted or private property without the consent of the owner.
Violations are summary offenses with a fine of not less than $750.00 for the first offense and $1,000.00 for any subsequent offense plus court costs for each violation.
Marijuana Ordinance
The laws regarding marijuana possession on campus differ from those in State College. A State College Borough Ordinance gives police officers the option to charge an individual with summary offenses, instead of misdemeanor offenses, for possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of marijuana paraphernalia within the Borough of State College. The definition of marijuana paraphernalia is more limited under the Borough ordinance than it is under Pennsylvania law.
Fines range from $250 to $350. State College police still have the option to charge marijuana and paraphernalia use and possession as misdemeanor offenses.