Clayton County, GA Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)

Chapter 94, Article V of the Clayton County Code, adopted by Ord. No. 2019-32 on March 19, 2019, governs use of the county's paved recreation path network in the unincorporated area. Sec. 94-156(a) lists twelve categories of authorized path users, and item (3) puts "Roller skates, roller blades and skateboarders" on that list with a single qualifier: "(daylight only)." Skateboarders therefore have a lawful place on the paths, but only while there is daylight; the ordinance sets no fixed clock time, so the cutoff moves with sunrise and sunset.

Sec. 94-157 separately lists prohibited path users: automobiles and trucks, motorcycles, street and trail motorized bikes, minibikes and mopeds, horses, go-carts, all-terrain vehicles, and any manufacturer-rated vehicle capable of exceeding 20 miles per hour. Skateboards do not appear on that list, confirming they are treated as an authorized, non-motorized use rather than a banned one.

Sec. 94-158 layers on conduct rules that apply to every authorized user, including skateboarders: "racing of any form" and "blocking of public access" are declared hazardous activities and barred outright except at county-approved special events; users must keep to the right when meeting oncoming traffic and pass on the left; pedestrians get the right-of-way; and loitering or parking on path bridges and in underpasses is barred. Sec. 94-161 exempts only public safety vehicles on duty and county-permitted parade traffic from the article.

Sec. 94-160 sets enforcement: jurisdiction sits in the Clayton County Magistrate Court, violations lacking a specific penalty are punished under the chapter's general penalty section 1-12, and "each day any violation of this article shall continue shall constitute a separate offense." The magistrate judge may impose the statutory fine, order community service, or combine penalties, and may declare forfeiture of an offender's appearance bond.