New York, NY Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Fine range
- $50 to $100
- Violation type
- traffic infraction
- Enforced by
- NYPD, DOT, Parks Dept
- Applies to
- streets, highways, sidewalks
- Covers
- skateboards, roller skates, in-line skates
Summary
New York City bans reckless skateboarding, roller skating and in-line skating on public streets, highways and sidewalks, with violators facing a $50 to $100 fine as a traffic infraction.
The term "reckless operation" shall mean operating roller skates, in-line skates or a skateboard on a public street, highway or sidewalk in such a manner as to endanger the safety or property of another. ... No person shall engage in the reckless operation of roller skates, in-line skates or a skateboard. ... Any person who is found guilty of the reckless operation of roller skates, in-line skates or a skateboard shall be subject to a fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than one hundred dollars.
Full Breakdown
Administrative Code § 19-176.1 does not ban skateboarding on NYC streets and sidewalks outright: it targets reckless operation, defined as operating a skateboard, roller skates or in-line skates on a public street, highway or sidewalk in a manner that endangers the safety or property of another. A violation is a traffic infraction under Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1800, punishable by a fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than one hundred dollars. The NYPD, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Parks and Recreation are all authorized to enforce the section, including on sidewalks in business districts where skateboarders mix with pedestrian traffic.
Violations & Fines
Reckless skateboarding, roller skating or in-line skating that endangers people or property on a street, highway or sidewalk is a traffic infraction carrying a $50 to $100 fine, enforced by NYPD, DOT or Parks Department employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is skateboarding banned on NYC sidewalks?
What's the penalty for reckless skateboarding in NYC?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New York
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