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Charleston, WV Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing section
Sec. 114-18
Skateboards allowed on
Play streets only
Fine range
$10-$500 per violation
Max jail term
30 days
Crosswalk crossing
Allowed exception

Summary

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.

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.

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 56).

Full Breakdown

Section 114-18 of the Charleston City Code makes it unlawful for anyone on roller skates or riding a sled, skateboard, toy vehicle, or similar device to go upon any roadway or sidewalk. The only exceptions are crossing a sidewalk, crossing a street on a crosswalk, and using streets or sidewalks the mayor has set aside as play streets. The rule sits in the traffic offenses chapter alongside bans on riding bicycles or roller skates attached to moving vehicles, and it applies citywide regardless of traffic volume or time of day.

Violations & Fines

Violating the toy-vehicle ban is punished under the Code's general penalty: a fine of $10 to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both, with each day treated as a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skateboard on Charleston sidewalks?
No. Section 114-18 bars skateboards, roller skates, and similar devices from any roadway or sidewalk, except while crossing at a crosswalk or on a designated play street.
Are there designated skate areas in Charleston?
The ordinance allows skateboarding only on streets or sidewalks the mayor has formally set aside as play streets; there's no standing citywide skate exemption in this section.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Charleston

Public Alcohol UseHeavy RestrictionsOutdoor Smoking RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsPublic Marijuana UseHeavy RestrictionsJaywalkingSignificant RestrictionsLoitering RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Coyote ManagementSignificant Restrictions

All Charleston rules

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