Public Conduct in Charleston, WV (2026)
6 verified public conduct rules for Charleston, West Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Skateboarding Rules
Charleston's toy vehicle ordinance bars skateboards, roller skates, sleds, and similar devices from roadways and sidewalks citywide, with narrow exceptions for crossing at a corner or crosswalk and city-designated play streets.
Charleston Bans Skateboards on Streets, Sidewalks
Significant RestrictionsSec. 114-18
No person upon roller skates or riding in, on or by means of any sled, skateboard, toy vehicle or similar device shall go upon any roadway or sidewalk, except while crossing a sidewalk, or a street on a crosswalk, and except upon streets and sidewalks set aside as play streets when and as authorized by the mayor.
Loitering Rules
Charleston's disorderly conduct ordinance makes it illegal to congregate on a public way so as to stop traffic and then refuse a police order to clear out.
Charleston Bars Blocking Sidewalks, Streets
Some RestrictionsSec. 78-205(a)(6)
Congregate with another or others in or on any public way so as to halt the flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic and refuse to clear such public way when ordered to do so by a peace officer or other person having authority.(b)Any person convicted of disorderly conduct, as defined in this section, shall be punished as provided in section 1-8. (Code 1975, § 18-18) State Law reference— Auth...
Outdoor Smoking Restrictions
Charleston prohibits smoking inside any permitted outdoor dining area on city sidewalks in the Central Business and Urban Corridor Districts.
Charleston Bans Smoking in Outdoor Dining Areas
Significant RestrictionsSec. 102-276(l)
(l)Smoking is prohibited within any outdoor dining area.
Jaywalking
Charleston makes it illegal for pedestrians to cross streets or alleys in the business district anywhere except marked intersections or designated crosswalks, under Sec. 114-661 of the city code.
Charleston Bans Mid-Block Jaywalking Downtown
Significant RestrictionsSec. 114-661
It shall be unlawful for a pedestrian to cross any street or alley within the business district except at street intersections or at crosswalks designated by official traffic control markings or signs, between street intersections.(2)Pedestrians shall have the right-of-way at all intersections and crosswalks except those controlled by traffic officers or by official traffic control devices; and...
Public Marijuana Use
Appearing in any Charleston public place while visibly under the influence of marijuana is a misdemeanor. Police can cite or arrest on the spot, with fines and jail time escalating for repeat convictions.
Charleston Bans Public Marijuana Intoxication
Heavy RestrictionsSec. 78-211(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person to appear in a public place while under the influence of an intoxicating liquor, marijuana or other drugs or narcotics, in such a condition as to be unable to exercise care for his own safety or the safety of others.
Public Alcohol Use
Charleston prohibits serving or possessing an open or unsealed alcohol container in any public place, with exceptions only when authorized in writing by the police chief.
Charleston Bans Open Alcohol Containers in Public
Heavy RestrictionsSec. 78-211(b)
It shall be unlawful to serve drinks or possess open or unsealed containers of alcoholic liquor, beer, wine or any other alcoholic beverage or nonintoxicating beer in any public place in the city except as otherwise provided by law and authorized in writing by the chief of police.
Looking for Kanawha County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Charleston city rules.
Public Conduct in Kanawha County →