San Rafael, CA Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Covers
- skateboards, roller skates, bikes, EPAMDs
- Trigger
- official posted signage
- Signs authorized by
- city manager
- Right-of-way rule
- applies without signage too
- Exempt
- on-duty police officers
Summary
San Rafael bans skateboarding, roller skating, bicycling and e-mobility devices on sidewalks and streets wherever the city posts prohibition signs, and separately bars riding any of them in a way that cuts off vehicle or pedestrian right-of-way, under SRMC §5.34.010 and §5.34.030.
In any area where official signs are posted prohibiting such acts, it is unlawful for any person to ride any skateboard or similar device, or to skate using roller skates, on the public sidewalk or street. In any area where official signs are posted prohibiting such acts, it is unlawful for any person to ride a bicycle, an electric personal assistive mobility device (EPAMD), or similar devices on the public sidewalk or other public place.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
Under SRMC Chapter 5.34, San Rafael prohibits skateboarding, roller skating, bicycling and electric personal assistive mobility devices (EPAMDs) on any public sidewalk or street where the city manager has posted an official sign under §5.34.020, following a designation by city council resolution. Separately, §5.34.030 bars riding any of these devices, sign or no sign, in a way that violates the right-of-way of a vehicle or pedestrian anywhere in the city. On-duty San Rafael police officers are exempt from the posted-sign sidewalk restriction under §5.34.040. These rules apply within San Rafael city limits, not unincorporated Marin County.
Violations & Fines
Riding in a posted no-skateboarding zone, or riding in a way that cuts off a pedestrian or vehicle's right-of-way anywhere in the city, is a citable violation under SRMC Chapter 5.34.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is skateboarding banned everywhere in San Rafael?
Who decides where no-skateboarding signs go up?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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