South Bend, IN Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)

Chapter 14, Article 1 of the South Bend Code of Ordinances governs roller skates and skateboards on public property. Section 14-1 bans skating or boarding in any public place except as this Article authorizes. Section 14-3 forbids it on sidewalks within the A-3 Mixed Use, Central Business, C-1, C-2, C, D and E zoning districts, and on any sidewalk next to a nursing home, hospital, fire station, school, church or synagogue, while expressly permitting it on sidewalks in the A, A-1, A-2, B and B-1 residence districts as those zones are defined in Chapter 21.

Riders on permitted sidewalks must exercise due care and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, giving an audible warning before passing. Section 14-2 requires anyone crossing a street on skates or a board to come to a complete stop, yield to vehicular traffic and follow the same right-of-way rules as pedestrians. Section 14-4 lets the Board of Park Commissioners set separate rules, including required helmets and pads, for designated City-owned skateboard facilities, with a warning and possible same-day exclusion for anyone who won't follow the posted rules there.

Section 14-5 sets the citywide penalty structure: a first violation draws only a written warning, but a second violation within the same calendar year brings a $25 fine and impoundment of the skates or skateboard by police. An impounded item belonging to a minor is released to a parent or guardian on request once outstanding citations are paid; an adult's property is returned to the adult on the same terms.