Cambridge, MA Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Cambridge Code § 9.04.080 (Ord. 1278, 2004)
- Where banned
- All City-owned property citywide
- Exception
- City-designated skateboard parks and areas
- Fine
- Up to $50 per offense
- Enforcement
- Cambridge Police, non-criminal citation
Summary
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.
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 permitted in city-owned and designated skateboard parks or other areas designated by the City. D. Each violator of this ordinance may be fined up to fifty ($50.00) dollars for each offense. Enforcement of this section may be by non-criminal disposition as provided by M.G.L. c.40, §21D. Police officers shall be the enforcement personnel.
Full Breakdown
Adopted by Ordinance No. 080 of the Cambridge Code, the ordinance defines a 'skateboard' as 'a non-motorized vehicle consisting of a long footboard between two sets of wheels, with steering controlled by weight distribution,' and defines 'skateboarding' as one or more people being on a moving skateboard. Subsection C states plainly that skateboarding 'is hereby prohibited on City property,' with a single carve-out: skateboarding is allowed in city-owned and designated skateboard parks or in any other area the City specifically designates. Because the ban runs to all 'City property,' it reaches sidewalks, plazas, municipal parking lots, school grounds and any other land the City owns or controls, not just streets; skateboarding on privately owned property falls outside this section's reach. c. 40, Section 21D, meaning a ticket rather than a criminal court appearance. 080 stands as its own self-contained rule specific to skateboards.
Violations & Fines
Skateboarding on city property outside a designated skate park draws a fine of up to $50 per offense under Section 9.04.080(D). Cambridge police officers are the named enforcement personnel, and the fine is issued through the non-criminal citation process under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, Section 21D rather than as a criminal complaint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is skateboarding illegal everywhere in Cambridge?
What is the fine for skateboarding where it's banned?
Who enforces the Cambridge skateboarding ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cambridge
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Skateboarding Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle skateboarding rules.