Santa Clara County, CA Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Where banned
- County highways
- Applies to
- Unincorporated area only
- Rule type
- Outright roadway ban
Summary
Riding or propelling a skateboard on any unincorporated Santa Clara County highway is unlawful under the county's roadway code.
It shall be unlawful for any person to ride or propel a skateboard on any County highway.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
Unincorporated Santa Clara County flatly bars skateboarding on county highways: the code makes it unlawful for any person to ride or propel a skateboard on any County highway. The rule sits in the pedestrians chapter of the county's traffic code and predates modern skate-park carve-outs, so it reaches the roadway itself rather than sidewalks or private business districts. It does not apply inside San Jose, Sunnyvale, or the county's other thirteen cities, which regulate skateboarding under their own municipal codes.
Violations & Fines
Riding a skateboard on a county highway is a citable infraction under the county's traffic ordinance enforcement provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skateboard on a sidewalk in unincorporated Santa Clara County?
Does this apply in San Jose?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara County to another location·View the California public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.