Merced, CA Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Merced Municipal Code § 10.45.020
- Banned zone
- Downtown area bounded by 16th, V, 18th, MLK Jr., Main Streets
- 1st/2nd/3rd fines
- $25, $50, $100 under Sec. 10.45.120
- 4th violation
- Charged as a misdemeanor
- Device seizure
- Police may seize device; court may order forfeiture
Summary
Merced bans skateboards, roller blades, roller skates and other coaster devices from streets, sidewalks and parking lots inside a signed downtown business district bounded by 16th, V, 18th, Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Main Streets, under Municipal Code Section 10.45.020. Two narrow carve-outs keep 16th, I, O and P Streets open for lawful commuting, and the city council may expand the ban citywide by resolution.
No person shall ride, use or propel any skateboard, roller blade, roller skate or other coaster device, whether powered by human or motorized means: ... H.In or upon any public right-of-way, roadway, pavement, including cross-streets, parking lot or sidewalk, or any improvement constructed or placed on a sidewalk, located within the following area:1.The area bounded by 16th Street from G Street to V Street; V Street from 16th Street to 18th Street; 18th Street from V Street to Martin Luther King, Jr. Way; Martin Luther King, Jr. Way from 18th Street to Main Street; Main Street from Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, to G Street.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 - 1-26).
Full Breakdown
010, while towed by a vehicle, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, on roadways with poor visibility, and throughout the downtown business district bounded by 16th Street from G to V Street, V Street to 18th Street, 18th Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Way, and Main Street back to G Street. 020(H)(1)(a) still allows lawful-transportation use of these devices on the sidewalks along 16th, I, O and P Streets, and (H)(1)(b) exempts roller blade and roller skate commuting outside a smaller inner block.
The public works department must post signs marking the restricted area. 040 keeps designated city bike paths open to all these devices. 080. 070 requires yielding to pedestrians, obeying traffic signals, and riding with due care.
Violations & Fines
A first violation of Chapter 10.45 is an infraction carrying a $25 fine under Section 10.45.120; a second offense costs $50 and a third $100. A person who violates the chapter four or more times is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable under Chapter 1.12. Officers may also seize the skateboard, roller blades or coaster device under Section 10.45.110, and courts may order the device forfeited under Section 10.45.120(B).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skateboard in downtown Merced?
What is the fine for illegal skateboarding in Merced?
Can police take my skateboard away in Merced?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Merced
California rules heatmap·Compare Merced to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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