Montgomery County, MD Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Montgomery County Code § 54A-2(11)
- Penalty
- Up to $50 fine (Class C violation)
- Where it applies
- WMATA buses, Metrorail cars, rail stations
- Exception
- Allowed only with operator's permission
- Enforcement
- WMATA/county transit operators, police
Summary
Montgomery County Code bars skateboards and roller skates on WMATA buses, Metrorail cars, and in rail transit stations unless a transit operator gives permission, under Section 54A-2(11).
A passenger in a public passenger vehicle or a person in a rail transit station must not: ... (11) Wear or use roller skates, skateboards, baby carriages or strollers that are not readily collapsible, wagons or carts, unless permitted by an operator;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Montgomery County Code § 54A-2(11) prohibits passengers on WMATA buses, Metrorail cars, and county-operated transit vehicles, or people inside a rail transit station, from wearing or using roller skates or skateboards, along with non-collapsible baby carriages, strollers, wagons, or carts, unless a transit operator allows it. The rule sits inside Chapter 54A, which governs conduct in the WMATA/county transit system rather than sidewalks or downtown business districts. Violating any section of Chapter 54A except § 54A-4 is a Class C violation, carrying up to a $50 fine under § 1-19.
Violations & Fines
Riding, wearing, or using a skateboard on a bus, Metrorail car, or in a rail station without operator permission is a Class C violation, punishable by up to a $50 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skateboard on a bus or Metrorail car in Montgomery County?
Does this law cover skateboarding on sidewalks or in downtown Bethesda?
What's the penalty for skateboarding on a Metro platform?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
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