Local News

Boston police seize 9 mopeds in Downtown Crossing

It is the latest round in a crackdown by the city on off-road vehicles.

Boston police

July 16, 2024

The Boston Police Department said officers seized nine mopeds on Monday in Downtown Crossing, as the department continues its increased focus on enforcing rules for mopeds and motorcycles in the city.

A crackdown on off-road vehicles and “speaker cars” is part of Boston’s summer safety plan this year. In recent weeks, police have seized dozens of motorcycles and mopeds across different neighborhoods. Massachusetts state law allows mopeds in bike lanes, but not on open city streets.

Boston police said officers were conducting moped and motorcycle enforcement near the intersection of Franklin and Washington streets around 5:17 p.m. on Monday, stopping the vehicles from operating in the pedestrian-only zone on Washington Street.

“During their directed patrol, officers issued multiple verbal warnings, Mass Uniform Citations, and a summons to one operator for various motor vehicle law infractions,” police said. “In total, officers seized 9 mopeds for various motor vehicle law violations.”

Police issued a reminder to the public that vehicles are prohibited in the city’s downtown pedestrian zones: Downtown Crossing, the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, Quincy Market, and Faneuil Hall.