Indianapolis, IN Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Banned zone
- Downtown Mile Square
- Also banned
- Canal Walk Zone
- Device
- May be temporarily seized
- Exception
- Permitted special events
- Citation
- Sec. 645-528
Summary
Indianapolis bans skateboards, scooters and toy vehicles on streets, sidewalks and ramps within downtown's Mile Square, the Canal Walk Zone and other listed districts, and on any roadway citywide outside a designated play street.
It shall be unlawful for any person, who is riding in or by means of a skateboard, coaster, scooter, toy vehicle or any similar play device, to park, stand or use any such vehicle or device upon any roadway, except when and where such roadway is designated as a play street...It is hereby declared a public nuisance...to operate a skateboard, coaster, scooter, toy vehicle or any similar play device on the streets, sidewalks, ramps and parking areas within the territory bounded by and including...North Street on the north, South Street on the south, East Street on the east, and West Street on the west ("Downtown Mile Square").
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 47 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 645-528 bars using a skateboard, coaster, scooter or similar toy vehicle on any roadway unless it's a designated play street, and separately declares it a public nuisance to operate one on the streets, sidewalks, ramps or parking areas within the Downtown Mile Square (bounded by North, South, East and West Streets), the Canal Walk Zone, a College Avenue/Compton Street corridor near 62nd-65th Streets, and part of Massachusetts Avenue. A skateboard used in violation can be temporarily held to abate the nuisance, with an exception for permitted special events and parades.
Violations & Fines
First violation per calendar year: civil penalty through the ordinance violations bureau (Ch. 103); later violations that year fall under Sec. 103-3 enforcement, and the skateboard may be held.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skateboard on a public street?
Is skateboarding allowed downtown?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indianapolis
Compare Indianapolis to another location·View the Indiana public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.