Edmonds, WA Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- ECC 5.46.050
- Banned area
- All arterial streets citywide
- Also banned
- Sidewalks in 5 mapped downtown zones
- Penalty
- Up to $100 civil infraction
- Device impound
- 10 days upon violation
- Enacted
- Ord. 2846 (1991), amended Ord. 3187 (1998)
Summary
ECC 5.46.050 bans skateboards, roller skates and coasters on every arterial street in Edmonds and on sidewalks in five specifically mapped downtown areas, including 8th Avenue, Bell Street, Maple Street and Harbor Square. Riders must obey traffic signals and avoid negligent operation; a violation is an infraction with up to a $100 fine and a 10-day device impound.
5.46.050 Use of skateboards, roller skates and similar devices restricted. ... ... B. Traffic Regulations. Any person operating a skateboard, roller skates or a coaster shall obey the instructions of official traffic control signals, signs and other devices applicable to vehicles, unless otherwise directed by a police officer. C. Speed. No skateboard, roller skates or coaster shall be ridden in a negligent manner, but shall be operated with reasonable regard for the safety of the operation and other persons. D. Prohibited Areas. It is unlawful for any person to operate a skateboard, coaster or similar device upon any of the following areas: 1. All arterial streets; and/or 2. All sidewalks in the following described areas: ... ... E. Violation – Penalty. Any person violating any provision of this section shall be guilty of an infraction and shall be punished by the imposition of a monetary penalty of not more than $100.00. Further, the device ridden at the time of violation shall be subject to impound for a period of 10 days.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4444, passed August 3, 2026).
Full Breakdown
050, to skateboards, roller skates and "coasters" (a foot board on two or more wheels steered by an upright handle). Subsection B requires anyone on a skateboard, roller skates or coaster to obey official traffic control signals, signs and other devices that apply to vehicles, unless a police officer directs otherwise. 50 ECDC, and on sidewalks in five described zones: 8th Avenue between Bell and Maple Streets; Bell Street west to 6th Avenue, north to Sprague, west to Edmonds Street and on to the water; Maple Street from 8th to 5th Avenue and a connected loop through Dayton, 3rd, Alder and 2nd; the area around the sewer treatment plant between SR 104 and 2nd Avenue in the 200 block; and the Harbor Square area south of Dayton Street bounded by SR 104, the Union Oil Marsh and the Burlington Northern Railroad right-of-way.
The rule targets downtown Edmonds's commercial core specifically rather than banning the devices citywide. Enforcement runs through Edmonds Municipal Court, and the section was originally adopted by Ord. 2846 in 1991 and last amended by Ord. 3187 in 1998.
Violations & Fines
A violation is a civil infraction under ECC 5.46.050(E), capped at a $100.00 monetary penalty. The section also authorizes impounding the skateboard, roller skates or coaster used in the violation for a period of 10 days, giving officers a consequence beyond the ticket itself to enforce the arterial and sidewalk bans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skateboard on the street in downtown Edmonds?
Are there sidewalks in Edmonds where skateboarding is illegal?
What is the fine for illegal skateboarding in Edmonds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Edmonds
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How other cities in Snohomish County handle skateboarding rules.