Hemet, CA Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)

The rule sits in Chapter 53, Article III of the Hemet City Code, which defines a 'skateboard' broadly at § 53-16 to include every wheeled, non-motorized riding device not classified as a bicycle or motor vehicle: skateboards, roller skates, inline skates, coasters, scooters and toy vehicles. A 'public place' under the same section covers the interior, exterior and grounds of any public facility or park (buildings, courtyards, entryways, stairs, planters, walkways), all public streets and sidewalks, and any property used for business or commercial purposes, which sweeps in shopping centers, store parking lots and downtown sidewalks in front of businesses.

Section 53-17 sets the operating rules. Riding is barred outright in a public place unless the owning public entity has permitted and posted the location for skateboarding; absent that posting, only the transportation-use carve-out for streets and sidewalks applies. Even where riding is allowed, § 53-17(a) forbids reckless operation that disregards the safety of persons or property, § 53-17(c) requires a rider on a sidewalk or roadway to yield right-of-way to pedestrians, animals, wheelchairs and motor vehicles, and § 53-17(d) requires riders on a roadway to stay as close to the right-hand curb or edge as possible. Riding between sunset and sunrise is prohibited under § 53-17(e) unless the rider wears reflective devices visible in the dark. Riding on private property is barred under § 53-17(f) unless the land is designated for vehicular or pedestrian travel or the property owner has given permission. Section 53-17(g) separately bans building, keeping or using a ramp or other incline device for skateboarding on any public sidewalk, roadway or highway in the city.