Skateboarding is restricted in LA County parks under Title 13.50, on Beaches and Harbors bike paths, and on county-controlled commercial walkways. California Vehicle Code Section 21212 also requires riders under eighteen to wear a helmet whenever skating in any public street, bikeway, or trail.
LA County Code Title 13.50 governs conduct in county parks, restricting skateboarding to designated skate facilities and prohibiting use on park sidewalks, hardscape, benches, and stairs. The Department of Beaches and Harbors separately bans skateboards from the Marvin Braude Bike Trail and similar paved beach paths to reduce conflicts with cyclists and pedestrians. On public roadways, skateboarders share the rules of the road, and California Vehicle Code 21212 requires a properly fitted helmet for any rider under eighteen on streets, bikeways, or public trails. LASD and county park rangers enforce. Many incorporated cities like Santa Monica and Hermosa Beach add boardwalk and downtown bans of their own.
Skating in restricted park areas, on bike paths, or without a helmet under age eighteen is an infraction. Helmet violations under CVC 21212 carry a base fine that may be reduced if proof of helmet purchase is shown.
See how Santa Monica's skateboarding rules rules stack up against other locations.
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