Hawthorne, CA Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Hawthorne Code Ch. 9.43
- Riding position required
- Upright, standing only
- Tricks/stunts allowed
- Only at city skate park
- Repeat juvenile penalty
- Up to 30-day impound
- Impound release fee
- $40, paid by parent/guardian
- Exempt devices
- Wheelchairs, mobility scooters
Summary
Hawthorne treats skateboards, roller skates, hoverboards and BMX bikes as transportation, not play equipment: riders must travel upright between destinations, obey traffic signals, and stay off any zone posted against wheeled activity. Tricks and stunts are barred everywhere except the city's designated skate park, and repeat juvenile violators risk a 30-day impound.
A. Prohibition. No person shall operate, ride or use a skateboard, roller skates and other motorized or nonmotorized vehicles as defined above upon any public or private property within any zone of the city where notice of such provision has been posed and is clearly visible at a minimum of two entrances or the immediate area where such activity is prohibited. B. ... 1. Transportation Uses. ... Loitering on public property for the purpose of performing skate, skateboard, bicycle or motorized or nonmotorized two- or three-wheeled vehicle tricks and stunts is strictly prohibited. 2. Skateboarding in the Upright Position. Persons riding on skates, skateboards, or motorized or nonmotorized-two- or three-wheeled vehicles (other than three-wheeled bicycles) shall do so only in the upright, standing position. Using, pushing, propelling or riding on skates, skateboards, motorized or nonmotorized two- or three-wheeled vehicles (other than three-wheeled bicycles) in a sitting, prone, kneeling or lying position is prohibited.
Full Breakdown
43 regulates skateboards, roller/in-line skates, BMX bicycles and both motorized and nonmotorized wheeled vehicles including hoverboards. 020(A) bars use of these devices on any public or private property in a zone where a prohibition notice is posted and visible at a minimum of two entrances. Subsection (B) requires riders to use the devices only to travel from one destination to another, expressly outlawing loitering on public property to perform tricks or stunts, and requires riding only in the upright standing position (no sitting, prone, kneeling or lying).
Riders on public roadways must obey stop signs, signals and speed limits, stay close to the right edge, yield to overtaking traffic, and at uncontrolled intersections may not cross faster than ten miles per hour. Reckless operation that threatens injury or obstructs pedestrians or motorists is barred, as is attaching a rider or device to a moving vehicle. 26B); doing so anywhere else violates the section. Subsection (D) extends the no-tricks rule to all public parks. 040(D) exempts city-sponsored programs, events or classes that specifically authorize the devices. 030's escalating fine schedule.
Violations & Fines
A first violation of Chapter 9.43 is an infraction fined under Hawthorne Code Section 1.22.030: $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within a year, and $500 for each additional offense. Where a juvenile violates the chapter more than once within a seventy-two-hour period, the police chief or designee may impound the skateboard, skates, or other device for up to thirty days instead of imposing a fine, and the juvenile's parent or guardian must pay a $40 processing and storage fee to reclaim it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a skateboard on Hawthorne sidewalks?
Where can I legally do skateboard tricks in Hawthorne?
What happens if police take my child's skateboard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hawthorne
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