Cambridge, MA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

Section 9.08.060, carried from former Section 13-9 of the prior code, states that '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 it immediately carves out an exception so the ban cannot be used against peaceful protest: it 'shall not 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.' The section sets no fine of its own, so the Title 9 catch-all penalty in Section 9.20.010 applies: 'unless otherwise specified, any person who violates any provision of this title shall be liable to a fine not exceeding fifty dollars for each offense.' Cambridge also has a companion sidewalk provision in a different title, Section 12.16.020 of the Street and Sidewalk Use Regulations chapter, which separately bars standing 'so as to interrupt, obstruct or prevent the free passage' of a sidewalk or street, or loitering 'in front of or at the side of any building to the annoyance or disturbance of any person,' once the person 'fails or refuses to move on when directed to do so by a police officer.' That section traces to former Section 17-41 and gives officers a direct move-along authority distinct from Section 9.08.060's peace-and-riot standard.