Quincy's Public Conduct: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles public conduct a little differently. In Quincy, Massachusetts, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Outdoor Smoking Restrictions

Quincy, Massachusetts (Norfolk County) designates the city-owned land in and around City Hall and Adams Green as a smoke-free outdoor area, with violations enforced by the Quincy Police Department.

Key details: Smoke-free area: City Hall and Adams Green only. Fine: $25 per violation. Enforced by: Quincy Police Department. Adopted: 2017, Order No. 2017-039.

Smoking on the designated City Hall and Adams Green land draws a $25 fine, enforced by the Quincy Police Department; the ban does not extend to other city parks or private patios.

Quincy is more permissive than most cities when it comes to outdoor smoking restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

Jaywalking

Quincy's traffic code requires pedestrians who cross outside a marked crosswalk to yield the right-of-way to all vehicles, and to use any provided tunnel or overpass rather than crossing at street level.

Key details: Governing section: § 325-61, Chapter 325, Traffic. Rule: Yield right-of-way when crossing outside crosswalk. Penalty basis: MGL c. 90 § 18A via § 325-67. Local history: 1962 jaywalking act accepted 1964. Location in code: Article IV, Pedestrians, Chapter 325.

Pedestrian-conduct violations under Article IV, Pedestrians, of Chapter 325, including crossing outside a marked crosswalk, are punished as provided in MGL c. 90 § 18A rather than a locally set fine.

Loitering Rules

Quincy, Massachusetts (Norfolk County) fines loitering, accosting others, disturbing the peace, or using profane language on public parks, reservations, or City-owned land $200 per offense.

Key details: Fine: $200 per offense. Location scope: parks, reservations, City land. Covers: loitering, accosting, profane language. Chapter: 230, Peace and Good Order. Last amended: June 1, 2020.

Loitering, disturbing the peace, or using profane language in a Quincy park or on City-owned land carries a $200 fine per offense under § 230-6(B).

Public Alcohol Use

Quincy, Massachusetts (Norfolk County) bans drinking or possessing alcohol on public ways, parks, playgrounds, and beaches without a permit; violators face police arrest and fines up to $200 under City Code Chapter 109.

Key details: Banned locations: public ways, parks, beaches. Possession also banned: buildings, parks, playgrounds. First offense fine: $100. Subsequent offense fine: $200. One-day permit available: via Licensing Commissioners.

Police may arrest without a warrant; fines run $100 for a first offense and $200 for each subsequent violation under § 109-6, on top of state penalties.

The Bottom Line

Quincy's public conduct rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Quincy is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Quincy can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.