Weird Skateboarding Laws In the United States
You’ve all seen those “Skateboarding Is Not A Crime” stickers. But, weirdly, in some places it actually might be.
In the constitutional fervor of Independence Day, we’ve gathered up all the weird skateboarding laws we could find in the United States. This way, you can have a laugh, be safe, and probably rebelliously skate anyway with the hashtag #skateboardingisnotacrime.
(Though we don't recommend that last one. Be safe, friends!)
1. Auburn, Alabama: It is illegal to bike, roller-skate, skateboard, or inline skate in a commercially zoned area.
Commercial zoning, as helpfully defined by the Cambridge English Dictionary, is an area that the local government has decided should be “mainly used for businesses such as shops, offices, banks, restaurants, etc.”
Takeaway: skating in a KFC parking lot? Probably illegal. Doing a sweet kickflip inside a bank? Almost definitely illegal.
2. Los Angeles, California: It is illegal to skateboard and roller-skate through the courthouse and library.
I mean. That’s pretty common-sense, right? Though the idea of someone doing a nose grind in the courthouse is hilarious.
3. Akron, Ohio: Skateboarding after dark is illegal.
The full text of the law is “No person shall use, operate or ride a skateboard within the city limits after daylight hours.”
To stay within legal constraints, I’d guess that you could drive up to the city limits and skate just outside ‘em, if you’ve got a hankering for some night skating.
4. Canton, Ohio: Skateboarding in the street is illegal.
Otherwise stated as “no person upon roller skates or riding in or by means of any coaster, toy vehicle, skateboard or similar device shall go upon any roadway except while crossing a street on a crosswalk,” they’re basically saying, “Hey, we think you’re a pedestrian. So leave the roads to cars!”
5. Miami Beach, Florida: Skateboarding is not allowed at any police station.
Also a hilarious image. What if this wasn’t illegal? I love the idea of the police station being a skater hangout, and the hands of the police being tied because technically, it wasn’t illegal.
But that’s not the case. If you’re a skater, avoid the police station!
6. New Jersey: All motorists must honk before passing another car, bicyclist, skater, and even a skateboarder.
Not sure if this is actually true. If I had to guess, it’s an outdated law that isn’t really enforced.
But if you’re skating in New Jersey and a car doesn’t honk at you before passing, do the right (and totally reasonable) thing and call your local police station. Really, for the good of everyone.
7. Eau Claire, Wisconsin: Skateboards can’t be used on a city street or sidewalk within a business district.
Or on a public parking ramp, in a public parking lot, or on private property without permission from owner. No shops, no parking structures, no private property? Are you kidding me? THOSE PARKING RAMPS LOOK LIKE SO MUCH FUN. But oh well. Rules are rules.
8. NY State: If you are skating in a group, you may not skate more than two abreast.
Other NY state skate laws include “You must skate single file if there is other traffic which wishes to pass by you,” and “You may not carry any article or package which would obstruct your view.”
So if you had weekend plans to skate side-by-side with three of your friends while you all held packages in front of your faces, you’ll probably have to figure out something else to do.
9. NYC: It is illegal to skate recklessly, this being defined as skating in a fashion such as to threaten the health or possessions of another person.
With a $50 to $100 fine on this one, it’s clear NYC wants you to try not to be a hazard. But something tells me that if you’re skating recklessly in NYC, the New Yorkers will deal with you before the police get there.
And one patently untrue law for the road:
10. Florida: It is illegal to skateboard without a license.
Nope! This is a “weird skateboard law” bloggers love to use, but Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Kim Montes says otherwise: “If you want to ride a skateboard in the state of Florida, you are considered to be a pedestrian and are not required to have a driver's license.”
Skaters--what weird skateboarding laws do you know about? Comment below and spread the word!
Photo credit: Joe Logon//timetrax23//Kevin Cortopassi//Elvert Barnes