SKATEBOARDS & ROLLER-SKATES--RULES OF THE ROAD

“Skateboarding is not a crime” is a popular bumper-sticker slogan, but skateboarding and roller-skating are in fact against the law in some areas. The California Vehicle Code allows local authorities to adopt rules and regulations prohibiting or restricting the use of roller-skates and skateboards on a highway, sidewalk or roadway. Some Orange County cities have done just that.

BREA Skateboards and roller-skates are not allowed on the roads, except in crosswalks. Their use is not allowed in the plaza area of the Brea Civic and Cultural Center or in city parks.

HUNTINGTON BEACH As the result of a recent ordinance, skateboard riders and bicyclists on the pedestrian walkway along the beach must dismount when yellow traffic signals are flashing.

IRVINE A city ordinance calls for “caution, courtesy and care” when using roller skates or skateboards in city parks and prohibits riding on park tennis or shuffleboard courts.

LAGUNA BEACH Roller-skating and skateboarding are prohibited on all sidewalks in the city.

LA PALMA It is unlawful to ride a skateboard in or about the Civic Center facilities and in or about Central Park facilities, including the community center there.

NEWPORT BEACH Skateboards are automatically prohibited on streets and sidewalks with grades of 6% or more. They are also prohibited in the Fun Zone area on Balboa Peninsula.

ORANGE It is unlawful to skate or ride a skateboard on a public roadway or in a business district. On sidewalks, skaters and skateboard riders “shall exercise due care and yield the right of way to pedestrians.”

SAN CLEMENTE The City Council has discretion to prohibit skateboarding on specific sidewalks in the city. These areas, such as the 100 block of Avenida del Mar, are posted with signs. On the streets, a rider can be cited for interfering with the flow of traffic.

SANTA ANA Skateboarding is prohibited on all streets in the city and on sidewalks within any business district.

SEAL BEACH Use of “wheeled devices,” including skateboards and roller-skates, is prohibited on sidewalks in specific posted areas, including the downtown business district.

TUSTIN Skateboards are prohibited on all city streets; on sidewalks, riders must yield the right of way to pedestrians.

VILLA PARK Skateboards are prohibited on shopping center sidewalks.

WESTMINSTER Skateboarding is prohibited within the Civic Center complex.

UNINCORPORATED AREAS Riding a skateboard or roller-skates is not allowed on county roadways, with the exception of cul-de-sacs less than 500 feet long. Riding on sidewalks is generally allowed unless the skateboarder or roller-skater is riding recklessly and putting pedestrians at risk. Skateboarding is also prohibited in some county parks.

Source: Individual cities and agencies