Public Conduct in Taunton, MA

If you live in Taunton or are thinking about moving there, public conduct are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Taunton has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of public conduct, and some of them might surprise you.

Outdoor Smoking Restrictions

Taunton bans smoking, including vaping, on every City-owned park, playground, athletic field, pool, splash pad and conservation area, plus Taunton Green and Church Green and their adjacent sidewalks. The ban extends 25 feet beyond each property line, and the responsible department posts signage. Violators face a $100 fine per offense under § 325-3.

Key details: Covered properties: Parks, playgrounds, pools, splash pads, conservation land. Named parks: Taunton Green and Church Green, incl. sidewalks. Buffer zone: 25 feet beyond the property line. Fine: $100 per offense. Enforcement: Noncriminal citation (MGL c. 40 § 21D) or criminal complaint.

Smoking anywhere covered by § 325-3, or within 25 feet of a covered property line, draws a flat $100 fine per offense. The City can pursue enforcement either through a noncriminal citation under MGL c. 40, § 21D, which functions like a ticket with a fixed fine, or through a criminal complaint for repeat or contested violations. Posted signage at each park or conservation area puts smokers on notice of the boundary.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Taunton actively enforces its outdoor smoking restrictions requirements.

Jaywalking

Within 300 feet of an officer directing traffic, a working traffic signal or a marked crosswalk, Taunton pedestrians must cross there and nowhere else under § 405-101. Cross outside that zone and you legally yield the right-of-way to every vehicle on the roadway.

Key details: Trigger distance: 300 feet from crosswalk/signal/officer. Governing section: § 405-101. Max fine: $50 (§ 405-42). Crosswalk side rule: Right half of crosswalk. Right-of-way outside crosswalk: Pedestrian yields to vehicles.

Chapter 405 sets a chapter-wide penalty at § 405-42: any violation of a section within the chapter, including the pedestrian crossing rules in Article VI, is punished by a fine not to exceed $50 unless the Code specifies a different amount. Taunton Police Department officers, and Registry of Motor Vehicles investigators, examiners and inspectors who qualify as officers under § 405-1, can enforce the crosswalk requirement.

Public Alcohol Use

Taunton bars drinking alcoholic beverages on any public way, park, playground or place the public can access as an invitee or licensee, and on private land without the owner's consent. Police seize any alcohol involved, and a conviction under § 334-11 carries a fine of up to $200 per violation.

Key details: Covered locations: Public ways, parks, playgrounds, private land without consent. Maximum fine: $200 per violation. Seizure: Alcohol seized and held until case resolved. Alcohol definition: MGL c. 138, § 1. Added/amended: 1974, amended 1980.

A conviction under § 334-11 carries a fine of not more than $200 for each violation. Any alcohol involved in the offense is seized on the spot and held by police until the case is finally resolved by the court, regardless of whether the outcome is a conviction, dismissal, or continuance. Each instance of public drinking is charged as its own separate violation.

This is one of the stricter rules in Taunton's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Skateboarding Rules

Taunton bans riding or operating skateboards or scooters of any kind, mechanical or otherwise, inside the Municipal Parking Garage. The ban applies notwithstanding any conflicting ordinance and carries an escalating schedule of fines for repeat offenders.

Key details: Where banned: Municipal Parking Garage only. Covers: Skateboards and scooters, mechanical or otherwise. First offense: $25 fine. Second offense: $50 fine. Third offense: $100 fine.

Violating the garage skateboard-and-scooter ban carries a $25 fine for a first offense, $50 for a second offense, and $100 for a third offense, with the fine schedule set directly in § 405-109 rather than incorporated by reference to the chapter's general parking-penalty section.

The Bottom Line

Taunton is tougher than many cities when it comes to public conduct. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Taunton, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Taunton's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.