Public Conduct in Cambridge, MA (2026)
4 verified public conduct rules for Cambridge, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Skateboarding Rules
Cambridge Code Section 9.04.080 prohibits skateboarding anywhere on city property except in city-owned skateboard parks or other areas the City specifically designates. Police officers enforce the rule, and each violation carries a fine of up to $50, handled as a non-criminal citation rather than a criminal charge.
Cambridge Skateboarding Ban on City Property
Significant RestrictionsCambridge, MA Code of Ordinances § 9.04.080
A. "Skateboard" is defined for purposes of this ordinance as a non-motorized vehicle consisting of a long footboard between two sets of wheels, with steering controlled by weight distribution. B. "Skateboarding" is defined as one or more people being on a skateboard while the skateboard is moving. C. Skateboarding is hereby prohibited on City property, except that skateboarding shall be permitt...
Loitering Rules
Cambridge Code Section 9.08.060 bars loitering or sauntering in a street in a way that obstructs or endangers travelers or risks a breach of the peace, while expressly protecting peaceful picketing under G.L. c. 149, Section 24. Violators face the Title 9 default fine of up to $50 under Section 9.20.010.
Cambridge Street Loitering Ban
Some RestrictionsCambridge, MA Code of Ordinances §§ 9.08.060, 9.20.010
No person shall saunter or loiter in a street in such a manner as to obstruct or endanger travelers or in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace or incite to riot; but nothing in this section shall be construed to curtail, abridge or limit the right of any person to exercise the right of peaceful persuasion guaranteed by Section 24 of Chapter 149 of the General Laws or to curtail, abrid...
Outdoor Smoking Restrictions
Cambridge bans smoking in any 'public park restricted area,' meaning fenced tot lots and public outdoor parks under 15,000 square feet, plus every municipal vehicle, under Section 8.28.090(A). Restaurant outdoor seating is smoke-free too, except that e-cigarettes, hookah, and water pipes are allowed there but never on public sidewalk seating.
Cambridge Outdoor Public Smoking Ban
Significant RestrictionsCambridge Municipal Code §§ 8.28.090(A), 8.28.080, 8.28.120(A)
A.Smoking prohibited. No person shall smoke nor shall any person be permitted to smoke in any public place, municipal vehicle, or public park restricted area. ... Public park restricted area. Any public outdoor parks of less than 15,000 square feet, fenced-in tot lots, and all public open space including athletic fields in use during City-permitted events, to which the public is invited and per...
Public Alcohol Use
Cambridge Code Section 9.08.020 bars drinking any alcoholic beverage, as defined in G.L. c. 138, Section 1, on public ways, in parks and playgrounds, or on private property without the owner's consent. Officers can arrest violators without a warrant, seize the alcohol, and violators face a fine of up to $50.
Cambridge Public Alcohol Consumption Ban
Some RestrictionsCambridge, MA Code of Ordinances § 9.08.020
No person shall drink any alcoholic beverages as defined in Chapter 138, Section 1 of the General Laws while on, in or upon any public way, or upon any way to which the public has a right to access, or any place to which the public has access as invitees or licensees, park or playground, or private place without the consent of the owner or person in control thereof. Whoever violates this sectio...