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Winston-Salem, NC Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Banned zone
Central business district only
Devices covered
Skateboards, roller skates, sleds, coasters, wagons
Penalty
Class 3 misdemeanor, fine up to $500
Citation
Code of Ordinances § 74-20

Summary

Skateboards, roller skates, and similar wheeled toys are banned on streets, sidewalks, parks, and public property within Winston-Salem's central business district, a violation punishable as a class 3 misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500.

Except as otherwise provided, it shall be unlawful for any person to coast on a sled, coaster express wagon or toy wagon or move or skate on any roller skates, skateboard or other similar device upon any public street, right-of-way, sidewalk, park or other public property located in the central business district of the city as shown on the official zoning map of the city adopted as part of the city zoning ordinance by the city council.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 102 | Personnel: Supplement 96 | Water and Sewer: Supplement 56 | Solid Waste: Supplement 15).

Full Breakdown

City ordinance § 74-20 makes it unlawful to skateboard, roller skate, or ride a sled, coaster, or toy wagon on any public street, right-of-way, sidewalk, park, or other public property within Winston-Salem's central business district, as mapped on the official city zoning map. The ban applies only inside that downtown zone, not citywide, and is a flat prohibition regardless of whether the activity interferes with traffic. Violators face prosecution under the same state misdemeanor penalty applied to other title 74 street-use violations.

Violations & Fines

Violating § 74-20 is a class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4, punishable by a fine of up to $500.00 per offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skateboard downtown in Winston-Salem?
No. City ordinance bans skateboarding, roller skating, and similar wheeled devices on streets, sidewalks, parks, and public property within the central business district, regardless of whether it disrupts traffic.
What's the fine for skateboarding in the CBD?
Violating § 74-20 is a class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4, carrying a fine of up to $500.00 per offense.
Is skateboarding banned everywhere in Winston-Salem?
No: the § 74-20 ban applies only within the mapped central business district; a separate rule (§ 74-25) bars skating that impedes traffic citywide.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Winston-Salem

All Winston-Salem rules

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