Reply #37: Here are the rules on signs [View All]

[MiniMe]

What's Prohibited Where
Many readers have been writing in to ask us about what they can and can't bring to inaugural events. Prohibited items for inauguration day have been popping up a lot in the news lately, but the reports don’t provide a full picture of what’s forbidden and what’s not. To make things easier, the following list is a compilation of some prohibited items, according to information provided by inauguration commitee, Secret Service and Metro officials.

The Obvious




No firearms (real or simulated)

No mace or pepper spray

No fireworks or other explosives

No animals other than service animals

No knives, blades or sharp objects

No pocket or hand tools such as the “Leatherman”

Security screeners have the power to prohibit any items that may pose a threat to the security of the event.


On the Mall




No tents or that includes no camping out

No glass bottles-

No alcohol


On the Metro




No bicycles for the entire inauguration weekend

No signs or placards more than 18 inches by 18 inches

No signs or placards affixed to a pole

No using metro bathrooms -- they will be closed for security purposes

No parking at Greenbelt, Van Dorn Street or Morgan Boulevard stations

No plastic or checks for Metro parking -- cash only


Along the Parade Route and at Official Balls




No bicycles

No backpacks, large bags, suitcases or duffel bags. Bags smaller than 8 inches by 6 inches by 4 inches are allowed.

No aerosol cans, which could include silly string

No coolers

No thermal or glass containers

No chairs or strollers

Signs are allowed, but only if they are no more than 3 feet in length, 20 feet wide or a quarter inch thick. They must be made out of poster board, cardboard or cloth.

Cameras are allowed; tripods and camera bags are not

No staking out spots until 7 a.m.