Haverhill, MA Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)

Article X of Chapter 222 regulates skateboards, roller skates and in-line skates. Section 222-55 bans operating any of them on a sidewalk, public street or way running from the railway trestle in Railroad Square, easterly along Washington Street and Merrimack Street, to the intersection known as White's Corner at Route 125, Merrimack Street and Water Street. Section 222-56 extends the same ban to any public facility fronting Washington Street or Merrimack Street within that stretch. Section 222-57 adds a citywide rule that no one may operate a skateboard, roller skates or in-line skates in a way that interferes with the safe and convenient use of a street or way by others.

Section 222-58 separately bans skateboarding, roller skating and in-line skating on City property around specific buildings: City Hall, the Citizen Center, the Haverhill Public Library, and the Herbert H. Goecke, Jr. Parking Deck. Section 222-59 imposes a citywide helmet mandate: anyone 16 or under operating a skateboard, roller skates or in-line skates must comply with the helmet requirements of Massachusetts General Laws c. 85, § 11B 1/2. Enforcement under § 222-60 lets a police officer on duty stop the listed conduct unless the rider has obtained written permission from the Chief of Police or another authority empowered by City ordinance or state statute.

Section 222-61 sets the penalty: a civil fine not to exceed $10 for a first offense and not to exceed $25 for the second and any later offense, with each day of continued violation counted separately.