Are drivers still allowed to give money? Can squeegee workers go elsewhere?

While the onus of the ban is on squeegee workers and other panhandlers, the city’s enforcement plan also prevents motorists from engaging in the six intersections. City leaders have said drivers who impede traffic to give money or otherwise interact with squeegee workers also could be cited.

The mayor’s office said in the fall it was working to create a new platform for motorists to pay workers. Known as Shine, the platform is supposed to accept online donations that can be made to specific workers who register with the city, and will be used to help the workers achieve goals, such as obtaining a commercial driver’s license. However, the platform has not been publicly launched.

The money would be disbursed by a nonprofit, but city officials have not said which one.

The city’s squeegee plan does not ban window washing at other intersections, only the six areas identified by the city. While the prohibited zones are subject to change, squeegeeing, a form of panhandling, cannot be banned outright.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled panhandling and solicitation are protected speech under the First Amendment.