Skateboarding Laws in Utah

As the warmer temperatures and spring vacations from Utah schools encourage more kids to head outdoors, it is important for them to know the laws in their area regarding activities such as skateboarding.

Public property

Over the years, skateboarding has been discouraged more and more on public property. Bumps on outdoor stair railings were added to discourage grinding which can damage paints and weaker metals while signs are posted prohibiting riding near stores, especially those with heavy foot traffic. In other areas, laws have been passed specifying where skateboarding is and is not legal.

City skateboarding laws

Although Utah as a state does not have laws governing skateboarding on public property, there are many cities that do. For instance:

Salt Lake City Code 2.12.070 states that skateboards or any “similar device” are not allowed in the road unless crossing the street or if in a bike lane. They are also required to follow the same rules that apply to pedestrians. Skateboards are not permitted on the sidewalks of the Sugar House traffic district or central traffic district or anyplace where signs prohibiting them are posted.

Provo City Code 9.32.020 currently only prohibits skateboards on sidewalks near certain areas such as “University Avenue between 400 North Street and 100 South Street”, “Center Street between 100 East Street and 500 West Street” or anywhere else signs are posted. Additionally, they must yield right of way to pedestrians and warn others if they are passing them.

Check your city code

Many if not all major cities have laws in place regarding skateboarding. To find information on laws or skate parks for where you live, visit your city website or call them during business hours. For legal help with charges stemming from skateboarding on restricted public land contact a juvenile defense attorney.