Inauguration 2005: What not to Bring
(from the Washington Post)
Anyone wanting to attend the inaugural parade Thursday will have to pass through one of 12 security checkpoints. There are additional screening points, and tickets are required to enter areas around the US Capitol and White House. Parade and Capitol checkpoints open at 9 a.m. Attendees are advised to dress warmly and be prepared to stand in lines.
Prohibited Along the Parade Route
- Pocket or hand tools
- Aerosols, including Mace and pepper spray
- Supports for signs (poles or sticks)
- Packages
- Coolers
- Thermal or glass containers
- Any bags exceeding 8 inches by 6 inches by 4 inches
- Backpacks
- Laser pointers
- Animals (other than service animals)
- Large umbrellas (only small, collapsible umbrellas are allowed)
- Structures including folding chairs and tents
- Bicycles
- Firearms
- Ammunition
- Explosives
- Weapons of any kind
- Any other items that at the discretion of the security screeners might pose a threat
Prohibited on the Capitol Grounds
In addition to all of the items above, the following items are prohibited inside the ticketed area of the Capitol:
- All umbrellas
- All signs and posters
- Alcoholic beverages
- Baby strollers
Sign Restrictions Along Parade Route
Signs, posters and placards are allowed along the parade route, but they should be made only of paper, cardboard, poster board or cloth and be no larger than 3 feet wide, 20 feet long and 1/4 inch thick.
