Charlotte allows skateboarding on most sidewalks and greenways but bans it on Uptown commercial sidewalks, Trade and Tryon Streets corridor, and certain parking decks where signs prohibit it under City Code Chapter 14 and 15.
Charlotte does not have a citywide skateboard ban. Skateboards, longboards, and non-motorized scooters may use sidewalks and greenways subject to giving pedestrians right of way. The Uptown municipal services district restricts skating on commercial sidewalks along Trade Street and Tryon Street, where signage prohibits riding due to congestion. Skating in parking decks, on private plazas posted no-skating, on stair handrails, and on government-property sculptures is prohibited. Helmets are recommended but not required for adults; NCGS 20-171.9 requires bicycle helmets on riders under 16 (skateboards excluded). Violations begin with verbal warning and may escalate to property-damage charges.
Riding on Uptown commercial sidewalks, grinding handrails, damaging concrete edges, or weaving through pedestrians causing falls leads to CMPD warnings, citations, and possible restitution for any property damage caused.
See how Charlotte's skateboarding rules rules stack up against other locations.
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