Santa Clara, CA Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SCCC § 10.05.890, business-district ban
- Devices covered
- Skateboards, scooters, roller skates, coasters
- Where it applies
- Roadways and sidewalks zoned for business
- Related sidewalk rule
- Bikes/motorcycles barred citywide, § 12.05.070
- Classification
- Infraction under SCCC § 10.05.090
- First-offense fine
- $100 under SCCC § 1.05.070
Summary
Santa Clara bans skateboards, roller skates, scooters and coasters from roadways and sidewalks in any zoning district zoned for business, under Section 10.05.890 of the City Code. The rule targets commercial corridors specifically, so the same activity in a residential neighborhood or on a bike path isn't reached by this section.
§ 10.05.890. Use of coasters, skateboards, scooters, roller skates and similar devices restricted. It shall be unlawful for any person upon roller skates or riding in or by means of any coaster, skateboard, scooter, toy vehicle or similar device to go upon any roadway or upon the sidewalk in a zoning district zoned for business.
Full Breakdown
" The prohibition is geographic rather than device-neutral: it applies wherever the underlying zoning is commercial, which in Santa Clara covers corridors like El Camino Real, Franklin Street downtown, and the Great America Parkway retail area, not the City at large. 070, independently bars bicycles and motorcycles from sidewalks and public parks citywide, so a rider crossing between a business district and another zone needs to track both sections. 05 but reinforce the same underlying safety concern the business-district ban addresses. 05 into an infraction the Santa Clara Police Department can cite on sight in a posted business district.
Violations & Fines
Riding a skateboard, scooter, coaster, or roller skates on a sidewalk or roadway within a business-zoned district violates SCCC § 10.05.890 and is an infraction under SCCC § 10.05.090. The general penalty schedule at SCCC § 1.05.070 applies: $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second violation of the same or similar provision within a year, and $500 for each one after that, with the City Attorney's office able to elevate repeat or reckless conduct to a misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is skateboarding illegal everywhere in Santa Clara?
What devices does the Santa Clara skateboarding ban cover?
What's the fine for skateboarding in a Santa Clara business district?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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Skateboarding Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle skateboarding rules.