Durham, NC Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Roadway riding
- Banned except crosswalks and play streets
- Skate park gear
- Helmet, elbow pads, knee pads required
- Penalty
- Up to $50.00 infraction
- Liability
- City not liable for voluntary participants' injuries
- Clinging ban
- No hitching a ride on a moving vehicle
Summary
Durham bans riding a skateboard on any roadway except to cross at a crosswalk or on a designated play street under City Code § 66-322, an infraction carrying up to a $50.00 penalty. City skate parks require helmets, elbow pads, and knee pads under § 66-323, and riders assume the park's inherent risks.
"No person upon a skateboard or similar device shall go upon any roadway, except while crossing the street on a crosswalk and except upon streets set aside as play streets when and as authorized by the provisions of this Code or other ordinances of the city. In addition to any other remedy available in the Code, violation of this section is an infraction and the person found responsible for such infraction shall pay a penalty not to exceed $50.00." (Sec. 66-322) "Any person participating in a hazardous recreational activity in a city skateboard or freestyle bicycling park is required to be wearing a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads." (Sec. 66-323(b))
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 36).
Full Breakdown
Section 66-322 states that no person upon a skateboard or similar device shall go upon any roadway, except while crossing the street on a crosswalk and except upon streets set aside as play streets when authorized by the Code or other city ordinances. 00. 00 infraction. Durham's own skateboard and freestyle-bicycling parks are governed by § 66-323. Anyone using such a city park assumes the known and inherent risks of the activity irrespective of age and is legally responsible for resulting damage, injury, or death to themselves or others.
Subsection (b) requires a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads for anyone participating in the hazardous recreational activity. Riders must act within their ability and the equipment's design, keep control of themselves and their equipment, and refrain from conduct that could cause injury; they must also obey posted regulatory signs, with failure to do so subject to citation. 00. Section 66-324 shields the city and its employees from liability for injuries arising from a person's voluntary participation in these hazardous recreational activities at a designated facility.
Violations & Fines
Skateboarding on a Durham roadway outside a crosswalk or posted play street, or in a city skate park without a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads, is an infraction under §§ 66-322 and 66-323, each carrying a penalty of up to $50.00 payable by the person found responsible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you skateboard on Durham streets?
What safety gear is required at a Durham skate park?
Is Durham liable if I get hurt at the skate park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Durham
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