North Hempstead, NY Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)

L. No. 15-2014) after the Board found that skateboards, scooters, in-line skates and similar manually powered devices create a public danger on Town streets and sidewalks with steep inclines. Section 66-2 defines a 'manually powered device' to include skateboards, scooters and in-line skates, but excludes devices used to assist a physically disabled person. Section 66-3 makes it unlawful to ride or operate any manually powered device on or along the streets, sidewalks, or designated parts of them identified from time to time by Town Board resolution; the ban is not townwide by default but applies to whatever specific roadway segments the Board adds to the list, typically the steep-grade corridors the findings describe.

A 'scooter' under Section 66-2 is a skateboard fitted with a vertical bar and handlebar for steering, and a 'skateboard' is any wood, plastic, metal or fiberglass board with wheels used for gliding on a hard surface. Section 66-5 gives enforcement authority to both the Town's Code Enforcement Officers and any police officer with jurisdiction, so a rider can be ticketed by either. Section 66-4 sets the penalty: a fine of up to $250 for a first violation and up to $500 for each offense after that, with no jail term specified in the chapter itself.

A severability clause (Section 66-6) protects the rest of the chapter if one part is struck down, and it took effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State (Section 66-7). Because the prohibited zones are set by resolution rather than fixed in the code text, riders should check the current list of restricted streets and sidewalks with the Town Clerk or Code Enforcement before assuming a given block is open.