Shelby, NC Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Where banned
- Carolina Harmony Trail, City Dog Park
- Covers
- Vapes, e-cigarettes, hookah included
- First citation
- $50 civil penalty
- Repeat citations
- Up to $500
- Posted rule
- At trail and park entrances
Summary
The City of Shelby prohibits smoking and tobacco use on the Carolina Harmony Trail and at the City of Shelby Dog Park, its public trail and off-leash park facilities.
(4)The use of tobacco while on the trail is prohibited.(5)Cyclists must travel at a safe speed. Maximum speed on trails is 15 mph.(6)All cyclists under the age of 16 must wear a helmet.(7)Bikes yield to pedestrians. Walkers and runners always have the right-of-way.(8)Keep right and pass on the left.(9)Announce yourself before passing. Politely warn trail users as you approach from behind, "Passing On The Left."(10)Keep pets on short leash. Use six-foot maximum leash length. Walk pets on the right-hand shoulder.(11)Pet waste is to be removed and disposed of properly.(12)In the event of an emergency, call 911.(b)The following activities are prohibited and any violation shall be punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor with a maximum 20 days in jail, a fine up to $50.00, or both, pursuant to G.S. 160A-174 and G.S. 14-4:(1)Littering.(2)The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages.(3)Camping.(4)Open fires.(5)Failure to remove pet waste as provided in chapter 4, Animals, of this Code. (Ord. No. 32-2024, 4-15-2024)
State Law reference— Littering G.S. 14-399.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23).
Full Breakdown
Shelby's posted rules of conduct for the Carolina Harmony Trail flatly prohibit tobacco use anywhere on the trail, and an identical ban applies inside the city's off-leash Dog Park near Marion and Ford Streets. The tobacco definition sweeps in cigarettes, cigars, vapes, e-cigarettes and hookah. Both rule sets must be posted at the entrances by the city manager or a designee. The bans do not extend to sidewalks, streets, or other outdoor public areas outside these two specific facilities.
Violations & Fines
Smoking or using any tobacco product, including vapes and e-cigarettes, on the Carolina Harmony Trail or in the Dog Park is a civil violation: $50 for a first citation, $100 for a second, and $500 for a third or later citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke or vape on the Carolina Harmony Trail in Shelby?
Is smoking banned at Shelby's dog park too?
What's the fine for smoking on the trail?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shelby
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