diff --git a/src/htmx.js b/src/htmx.js
index 46d0474e..11c6e9de 100644
--- a/src/htmx.js
+++ b/src/htmx.js
@@ -968,7 +968,7 @@ return (function () {
         }
 
         function boostElement(elt, nodeData, triggerSpecs) {
-            if ((elt.tagName === "A" && isLocalLink(elt)) || elt.tagName === "FORM") {
+            if ((elt.tagName === "A" && isLocalLink(elt) && elt.target === "") || elt.tagName === "FORM") {
                 nodeData.boosted = true;
                 var verb, path;
                 if (elt.tagName === "A") {