Friday, August 17, 2012

Playing a "boom box" on the bus

Bostonians, make sure you've got headphones on if you're listening to music while riding the MBTA. Otherwise, you're not just annoying, you could do jail time.

Section 42 of Chapter 265 of the Massachusetts General Laws codifies the annoyance in 1990s language thusly:
"Whoever uses a radio or boom box, so-called, or similar broadcasting equipment without the use of earphones or other apparatus on a public conveyance used for the common carriage of persons, shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than one month. Evidence seized pursuant to this section shall be sold at public auction and the proceeds therefrom may be applied against outstanding fines and court costs."
While there is no doubt that loud music on a bus or subway constitutes a pretty nasty irritant, this seems like another violation that could be solved with just the fine. Just being a jerk does not warrant a month in jail.

Of course, most will agree that Mr. Spock's handling of this issue is the best method:

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