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Bernalillo County, NM Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Banned
skateboards on courts, tracks, sports surfaces
Banned everywhere
riding skateboards on benches, tables, fences
Allowed
county-manager-designated skate areas
Exempt
strollers and medical mobility devices
Penalty
up to $300 fine / 90 days (§1-6)
Adopted
Ord. No. 2010-14, 5-25-10

Summary

Bernalillo County Code Section 58-12(b)(31) bars skateboards and other human-powered devices from tennis courts, basketball courts, running tracks and other sports surfaces in county parks unless the county manager designates the area for such use, and separately bans riding a skateboard on picnic tables, benches, planters, fences or sculptures anywhere in the park system.

City-specific rules exist: Albuquerque has its own skateboarding rules rules that differ from Bernalillo County's county-level regulations. If you live in Albuquerque, check the city-specific page instead.

b.No person shall operate any bicycle, scooter, skateboard, roller skates, rollerblades or any other human-powered vehicle or device on any tennis court, basketball court, running track, artificial sports surface or other sports facility in any park and recreation facility, except in areas specifically designated for such uses by the county manager. Child strollers, baby carriages and medical mobility devices used by persons who need assistance to be mobile are exempt from this prohibition.c.No person shall ride any skateboard or operate any other human-powered vehicle or device on any picnic table, bench, fountain, planter, fence, railing, sculpture or similar features in any park and recreation facility.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 92).

Full Breakdown

Section 58-12(b)(31) regulates human-powered and motorized vehicles and devices in county parks. Part (a) bars operating any motorized vehicle or device except on roads, lots or areas the county manager authorizes, exempting motorized wheelchairs, mobility scooters and power chairs used by people who need assistance to be mobile, if operated safely. Part (b) bars operating a bicycle, scooter, skateboard, roller skates, rollerblades or any other human-powered vehicle or device on a tennis court, basketball court, running track, artificial sports surface, or other sports facility, except in areas the county manager specifically designates for such uses, and exempts child strollers, baby carriages and medical mobility devices.

Part (c) separately bans riding a skateboard, or operating any other human-powered or motorized device, on a picnic table, bench, fountain, planter, fence, railing, sculpture or similar feature anywhere in a park, regardless of whether the surrounding area otherwise allows skateboarding. Part (d) bars parking any such device in a way that creates a traffic hazard, part (e) bars cleaning or maintaining a vehicle, device or livestock trailer in a park except for emergency repairs, and part (f) requires that any human-powered or motorized device be operated in accordance with applicable county and state motor vehicle laws.

As with the rest of Section 58-12, violations are punishable under the article's general penalty at Section 1-6, and Section 58-8 exempts on-duty county employees, authorized volunteers, emergency responders and law enforcement or animal control officers.

Violations & Fines

Skateboarding on a restricted sports surface, on park furniture, or in a manner creating a traffic hazard violates Section 58-12(b)(31) and is punishable under the general Section 1-6 penalty of up to a $300 fine, 90 days' imprisonment, or both. Riding a skateboard on a multi-use path, trail, or an area the county manager has specifically opened for such use is not a violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skateboard on a Bernalillo County park basketball court?
Not unless the county manager has specifically designated that court for skateboard use. Section 58-12(b)(31)(b) bars skateboards, bicycles, scooters and roller skates from tennis courts, basketball courts, running tracks, artificial sports surfaces and other sports facilities except in areas the county manager sets aside for that purpose.
Is it illegal to grind a skateboard on a park bench or fence?
Yes, everywhere in the park system. Section 58-12(b)(31)(c) separately bans riding a skateboard, or operating any other human-powered or motorized device, on a picnic table, bench, fountain, planter, fence, railing, sculpture or similar feature, regardless of whether the surrounding area is otherwise open to skateboarding.
What's the penalty for violating the skateboard rule?
A violation of Section 58-12(b)(31) is punishable under the Code's general Section 1-6 penalty: a fine of up to $300, imprisonment for up to 90 days, or both, the same penalty that applies to most other Article I park-conduct violations.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bernalillo County

All Bernalillo County rules

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