Merced, CA Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)

Chapter 10.45 defines a skateboard, roller skate (including in-line "roller blades") and "coaster device" broadly enough to cover any human- or motor-powered wheeled riding platform, then Section 10.45.020 lists scenarios where riding any of them is unlawful: on private property without the owner's consent, in public facilities not designated for the activity, on disabled-access ramps, in a manner that creates a "nuisance" as defined in Section 10.45.010, 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. Within that last zone, Section 10.45.020(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. Section 10.45.030 lets the city council prohibit the activity on any additional public street, sidewalk, parking lot or public property by resolution, while Section 10.45.040 keeps designated city bike paths open to all these devices.

Riders who are disabled, transporting an infant, or moving goods to or from a place of purchase are exempt under Section 10.45.080. Where riding is legal, Section 10.45.070 requires yielding to pedestrians, obeying traffic signals, and riding with due care.