New Brunswick, NJ Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)

Chapter 10.40 of the New Brunswick Municipal Code regulates skateboards through a location ban. Section 10.40.030, Use Prohibited, says no person shall operate, or cause to be operated, any skateboard upon the sidewalks of the city mentioned in Schedule A. The words cause to be operated reach a person who has a skateboard used on their behalf, not only the rider. Section 10.40.020 defines a skateboard as a platform or other board mounted on wheels, or a board with roller skate wheels or similar wheels on the underside, having no mechanism with which to steer or control its direction while being used.

Schedule A lists both sides of each street unless noted. Albany Street is listed on both sides and mall common areas from Easton Avenue to Route 18. Bayard Street runs from Neilson Street to Joyce Kilmer Avenue, Church Street from Neilson Street to Elm Row, and Easton Avenue from Albany Street to Hamilton Street. Elm Row runs from Albany Street to George Street, French Street from Easton Avenue to James Street, and George Street from Remsen Avenue to Hamilton Street. Livingston Avenue is listed from George Street to New Street, Neilson Street from Albany Street to New Street, and Paterson Street from Neilson Street to Elm Row. The last line reads all public parking facilities.

The purpose section, § 10.40.010, records why the city council acted: numerous complaints from police, property owners, pedestrians and visitors that riders in certain areas pose a threat to persons and property, reports of damaged sidewalks, and reports of damage to cars lawfully parked on the streets. The operative sentence names sidewalks only. It does not mention roadways.