Rockville, MD Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Covers
- Skateboards, scooters, inline skates, bikes
- Penalty
- Confiscation of the vehicle
- Also banned
- Wax/stunt substances on benches, curbs, rails
- Source
- Ord. No. 23-04, 7-26-04
Summary
Rockville regulates skateboards, scooters, bikes and other wheeled recreational vehicles, banning negligent riding on streets and sidewalks and stunts on benches, walls or planters.
Wheeled recreational vehicle means a device with one (1) or more wheels commonly used for the transportation of individuals for recreational purposes, including but not limited to skateboards, roller skates, scooters, bicycles, unicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices ("EPAMD") as defined in the Maryland Vehicle Law, and any play vehicles as defined in the Maryland Vehicle Law. This definition does not include baby carriages, strollers, walkers, wheelchairs, motorized chairs, and similar vehicles used by persons requiring assistance with mobility.
Roller skate means any shoe or boot having wheels attached for locomotion, or any mechanism that attaches wheels to a shoe or boot. Roller skates include four-wheeled "quad" skates and "inline" skates ("roller blades").
Scooter means a long footboard between end wheels, with or without a seat, controlled by an upright steering handle attached to the front wheel(s). The definition includes both non-motorized scooters and motorized scooters, but does not include motor scooters as defined in the Maryland Vehicle Law.
Skateboard means a single platform mounted on wheels.
(b)No person shall ride, operate, or use a wheeled recreational vehicle in a negligent manner on any street, roadway, sidewalk, parking lot, or other paved surface within the city's corporate limits.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 17 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 13-70 covers skateboards, roller skates, scooters, bicycles, unicycles and similar wheeled recreational vehicles. It bans negligent riding, careless, inattentive, or imprudent use that endangers people or property, on streets, sidewalks, parking lots or other paved surfaces, and separately bans riding on benches, planters, public art, or walls not designed for it, and applying wax or other substances to aid stunts. Officers may confiscate a vehicle used in violation; an unclaimed one is deemed abandoned after 30 days.
Violations & Fines
Negligent riding of a skateboard, scooter, or bike on streets or sidewalks, or riding on benches, planters, or walls, can get the vehicle confiscated by police.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Rockville police confiscate my skateboard?
Is skateboarding banned in Rockville business districts?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rockville
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How other cities in Montgomery County handle skateboarding rules.