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Salem, OR Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
SRC § 103.015 - Prohibited areas
Downtown no-ride zone
Union/Trade/Cottage/Front Streets boundary
Also banned
Civic Center, 3 city parkades, Center 50+
Standard fine
Infraction up to $110.00
Youth helmet rule
Under 16, ODOT-approved, $25 fine
Night rule
High-visibility lights or ANSI vest required

Summary

Salem bans skateboarding outright in a defined downtown zone bounded by Union, Trade, Cottage, and Front streets, plus the Civic Center, the Liberty, Chemeketa, and Pringle parking structures, Center 50+, posted private property, and any City park where park rules forbid it, under SRC 103.015. Breaking the rule is an infraction with a fine up to $110.

(a)Notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter, no person shall skateboard in the following areas:(1)In or upon any of the alleys or sidewalks within the area bounded on the north by Union Street, on the south by the south line of Trade Street, on the east by Cottage Street and on the west by Front Street, but excepting those sidewalks contiguous to and located within Marion Square Park;(2)In or upon the Salem Civic Center described in SRC 102.005;(3)In or upon the Liberty Parkade, the Chemeketa Parkade, the Pringle Parkade, or the City of Salem Library public parking structure;...(5)On private property, unless the owner or person in charge of the property consented to such use of the property;(6)On any public or private property where signs on the property indicate that skateboard use is prohibited; or(7)In City parks where skateboarding is prohibited by park operating rules established pursuant to SRC 94.200.(b)A violation of this section is an infraction, punishable by a fine not to exceed $110.00.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

200 prohibit it. 035 requires high-visibility gear, meaning lights visible 500 feet to the front and 600 feet to the rear, or an ANSI 107-2004 Class 2/3 vest, after dark. 075).

Violations & Fines

Nearly every skateboard offense under SRC chapter 103 is an infraction punishable by a fine not to exceed $110.00, including riding in a banned area (103.015), improper street operation (103.020, 103.025), missing high-visibility gear at night (103.035), failing to obey traffic controls (103.045), and careless riding (103.075). The exception is the youth helmet requirement under SRC 103.030, which carries a lower maximum fine of $25.00.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly can't I skateboard in downtown Salem?
SRC 103.015(a)(1) bans skateboarding on alleys and sidewalks inside the block bounded by Union Street to the north, Trade Street to the south, Cottage Street to the east, and Front Street to the west, the heart of downtown Salem. Sidewalks touching Marion Square Park are specifically excepted. Riding there is an infraction punishable by a fine up to $110.
Can I skateboard in Salem's parking garages?
No. SRC 103.015(a)(3) specifically prohibits skateboarding in the Liberty Parkade, the Chemeketa Parkade, the Pringle Parkade, and the City of Salem Library's public parking structure, regardless of whether you're a pedestrian or riding. A violation is an infraction with a fine of up to $110.00.
Does my teenager need a helmet to skateboard on a Salem sidewalk?
Yes, if they're under 16. SRC 103.030 requires anyone under 16 to wear protective headgear approved by the Oregon Department of Transportation while operating a skateboard on any street, sidewalk, shared use path, crosswalk, or pedestrian bridge. Skipping the helmet is an infraction with a fine capped at $25.00.
Can a private business ban skateboarding on its own sidewalk area in Salem?
Yes. SRC 103.015(a)(5) and (a)(6) make it unlawful to skateboard on private property without the owner's consent, and on any public or private property that is posted against skateboard use, on top of the citywide areas the code already bans outright.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Salem

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsPublic UrinationSome RestrictionsPublic Alcohol UseSome RestrictionsLoitering RulesLight RestrictionsOutdoor Smoking RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Salem rules

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