Bakersfield, CA Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Banned zones
- Central traffic district, Old Town Kern
- Also covered
- Bicycles, inline skates, coasters
- City buildings
- Banned on city hall steps/halls citywide
- Exception
- Posted areas allowing use
- Related rule
- Ramps banned citywide (Ch. 12.21)
Summary
Bakersfield Municipal Code § 10.52.010 bans riding a skateboard, bicycle, inline skates, or similar wheeled device on any sidewalk inside the central traffic district and Old Town Kern, and on the steps, landings, or entryways of city hall or any city-owned building. The ban lifts only where the city has specifically posted an area to allow those uses.
Except as to areas which are specifically designated and posted to permit such uses, it is unlawful for any person upon a bicycle, skates (inline or otherwise), skateboard or by means of any coaster, toy vehicle or similar device to go upon any sidewalk in the central traffic district and/or Old Town Kern, as those terms are defined in Section 10.08.020, or upon the steps, landings, entranceways or halls of city hall or any other city-owned building.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 5221, passed July 15, 2026).
Full Breakdown
020's definitions: the central traffic district (downtown Bakersfield's core) and Old Town Kern, the historic district along Baker Street. Inside those boundaries, none of the listed wheeled devices may be ridden on a sidewalk, and none may be taken onto the steps, landings, entranceways, or halls of city hall or any other city-owned building, anywhere in the city. The ordinance builds in its own exception: it does not apply to 'areas which are specifically designated and posted to permit such uses,' letting the city carve out skate-friendly sidewalks or plazas by posting signage. 010 zones, building a ramp in the public way is independently unlawful. 020, where cyclists have the right-of-way over other vehicles. 010.
Violations & Fines
A § 10.52.010 violation is punished under the citywide default in § 1.40.010: an infraction fine of up to $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second within a year, and $250 for each further offense, or a misdemeanor charge carrying up to $1,000 and six months in county jail for repeat or aggravated conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skateboard on downtown Bakersfield sidewalks?
Is the skateboard ban citywide or just downtown?
Are skateboard ramps allowed in the street or on a sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bakersfield
California rules heatmap·Compare Bakersfield to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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Skateboarding Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Kern County handle skateboarding rules.