Title 36—Parks, Forests, and Public Property--Volume 1
PART 504—RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
§ 504.1   General.
These rules and regulations apply to all buildings and grounds of the Smithsonian Institution, as defined in section 3, 78 Stat. 366; 40 U.S.C. 193v(1) (A) and (C), and to all persons entering in or on such buildings and grounds, hereinafter referred to as the premises
§ 504.2   Recording presence.
Except as otherwise ordered, Smithsonian buildings shall be closed to the public after normal visiting hours. Such buildings, or portions thereof, shall also be closed to the public in emergency situations and at such other times as may be necessary for the orderly conduct of business. Whenever the buildings are closed to the public for any reason, visitors will immediately leave the premises upon being requested by a guard or other authorized individuals. Admission to such premises during periods when closed to the public will be limited to authorized individuals who will be required to register and identify themselves when requested by guards or other authorized individuals.
§ 504.3   Preservation of property.
It is unlawful willfully to destroy, damage, or remove property or any part thereof. Any parcels, portfolios, bags, or containers of any kind may be required to be opened and the contents identified prior to removal from the premises. In order to remove any property from the premises, a properly completed property pass signed by an authorized official of the Smithsonian Institution may be required prior to removal.
§ 504.4   Conformity with signs and emergency directions.
Persons in or on the premises shall comply with official signs of a prohibitory or directory nature and with the directions of authorized individuals.
§ 504.5   Nuisances.
The use of loud, abusive, or otherwise improper language; unwarranted loitering, sleeping or assembly; the creation of any hazard to persons or things; improper disposal of rubbish; spitting, prurient prying; the commission of any obscene or indecent act, or any other unseemly or disorderly conduct on the premises; throwing articles of any kind from or within a building; or climbing upon any part of a building is prohibited.
§ 504.6   Gambling.
Participating in games for money or other personal property or the operation of gambling devices, the conduct of a lottery or pool, or the selling or purchasing of numbers tickets in or on the premises is prohibited.
§ 504.7   Intoxicating beverages and narcotics.
Entering the premises or the operating of a motor vehicle thereon by a person under the influence of any intoxicating beverage or narcotic drug or the use of such drug in or on the premises is prohibited. Consumption of intoxicating beverages on the premises is prohibited unless officially authorized.
§ 504.8   Soliciting, vending, debt collection, and distribution of handbills.
The soliciting of alms and contributions, commercial soliciting and vending of all kinds, the display or distribution of commercial advertising, or the collecting of private debts, in or on the premises is prohibited. This rule does not apply to national or local drives for funds for welfare, health, and other purposes sponsored or approved by the Smithsonian Institution concessions, or personal notices posted by employees on authorized bulletin boards. Distribution of material such as pamphlets, handbills, and flyers is prohibited without prior approval of authorized individuals.
§ 504.9   Placards, signs, banners and flags.
The displaying or carrying of placards, signs, banners, or flags is prohibited unless officially authorized.
§ 504.10   Dogs and other animals.
Dogs and other animals, except seeing-eye dogs, shall not be brought upon the premises for other than official purposes.
§ 504.11   Photographs for news, advertising, or commercial purposes.
No photographs for advertising or any other commercial purpose may be taken on the premises unless officially authorized.
§ 504.12   Items to be checked.
Umbrellas, canes (not needed to assist in walking), or other objects capable of inflicting damage to property or exhibits may be required to be checked in buildings where checking facilities are provided.
§ 504.13   Vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
(a) Drivers of all vehicles in or on the premises shall drive in a careful and safe manner at all times and shall comply with the signals and directions of the guards and all posted traffic signs.
(b) The blocking of entrances, driveways, walks, loading platforms, or fire hydrants in or on property is prohibited. Parking without authority, or parking in unauthorized locations or in locations reserved for other persons or contrary to the direction of posted signs, is prohibited. This paragraph may be supplemented from time to time by the issuance and posting of such additional traffic and parking directives as may be required, and such directives shall have the same force and effect as if made a part thereof.
§ 504.14   Weapons and explosives.
No person while on the premises shall carry firearms, other dangerous or deadly weapons, or explosives, either openly or concealed, except for official purposes.
§ 504.15   Nondiscrimination.
There shall be no discrimination by segregation or otherwise against any person or persons because of race, religion, color, or national origin in furnishing or by refusing to furnish to such person or persons the use of any facility of a public nature, including all services, privileges, accommodations, and activities provided thereby on the premises.
§ 504.16   Penalties.
Section 6 of the Smithsonian Institution Special Policing Statute, Act of October 24, 1951, 65 Stat. 635, 40 U.S.C. 193(s) states that:
Whoever violates any provision of sections 193o-193q of this Title, or any regulation prescribed under section 193r of this Title, shall be fined not more than $100 or imprisoned not more than sixty days, or both, prosecution for such offenses to be had in the District of Columbia Court of General Sessions, upon information by the U.S. attorney or any of his assistants: Provided, That in any case where, in the commission of such offense, property is damaged in an amount exceeding $100, the amount of the fine for the offense may be not more than $5,000, the period of imprisonment for the offense may be not more than 5 years and prosecution shall be had in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia by indictment, or if the defendant, after he has been advised of the nature of the charge and of his rights, waives in open court prosecution by indictment, by information by the U.S. attorney or any of his assistants.