Skateboarding Is Not A Crime: Everything You Need To Know
It is always disappointing to put down most favorite things to you just because federal law doesn’t permit it. Such is the hobby of skateboarding. After the 15th of September in 1978, skateboarding wasn’t the same anymore.
It was banned almost everywhere around the globe. But why was skateboarding banned, and is skateboarding a crime?
Long answer short, skateboarding is not a crime! But there are laws to be followed as well to not get locked up. That’s exactly what we will discuss here in the article below.
Why Was Skateboarding Banned?
Skateboarding is a sport that is extremely difficult to get the hang of at the very beginning. That’s when it becomes dangerous!! To skateboard on a long smooth surface takes a decent amount of practice.
Now take into account skateboarding on a rough, mazy, and traffic-heavy road where speedy cars travel every single second.
It became a very popular sport right after it was first introduced by Bill Ricard in 1959, mainly due to how fun skateboarding is when you finally get the hang of it. As a consequence, parks, and playgrounds were filled with skateboarders enjoying their time.
It forced a minority of skateboarders to join the street to skateboard freely. And that’s when major accidents started happening rapidly. Over 10,000 children were recorded severely injured with a record 28 death in just about a year in America.
As a result, on the 15th of September 1978, a strict law was placed to ban all sorts of skateboarding almost all around the world!
The New Ruling on Skateboarding
Although I feel skateboarding will never be the same again, over the years, federal laws around the world changed to favor skateboarders to some degree.
Skateboarding is announced legal in very certain specific parks, also known as skate parks. But sadly, most states around the world do not host such a park.
The Legality of Skateboarding in The USA
Despite most states in America forbidding skateboarding, the good news is there are still plenty of places to go skateboarding around here.
But first, let’s talk about places where you should never go skateboarding. Skateboarding around there is completely illegal and could have harsh consequences.
Forbidden States in The USA
States with large, established cities, such as New York and Alabama, tend to forbid skateboarding as mega-cities such as New York or Alabama have heavy traffic, which could cause countless accidents.
Additionally, to prevent such incidents, these states have enforced harsh laws on skateboarding. So dear fellow skateboarders, it’s best to avoid such mega-cities for skateboarding unless the law around there permits it.
Penalty For Skateboarding
States that forbid skateboarding generally penalize any skateboarders on mainly three different levels.
A. Warning
Usually, if you have broken the law for the first time, you may get away with just a warning.
B. Fining
This is the most common form of penalty for skateboarding in the forbidden parts of the USA.
C. Arrest Charges
If the law is broken multiple times, you may as well be arrested.
The Legal States in America for Skateboarding
There might be very few states that legalize skateboarding in the USA. But luckily for us skateboarders, such states are spread out all around America. Because of that, we can access skateparks no matter where we live in America.
01. Georgia
In Georgia, Skateboarding is legal. But there are a few specific rules to maintain here. So it’s always best to learn about your local laws before you may start skateboarding there.
02. California
California has always been the second paradise for skateboarders!
They have plenty of specially designed parks for skateboarding, also known as skate parks. There are also plenty of public places to permit skateboarding. If you happen to live in California, you will surely be able to enjoy skateboarding and unlock your potential to its fullest.
03. Florida
Even though skateboarding is legal in Florida, it is more widely known to mostly prohibit it. It is only available in very few certain locations. And strictly prohibits skateboarding on public sidewalks and highways.
04. Illinois
I think the place considered to be heaven on Earth for skateboarding is Illinois. Like California, there are more than plenty of skate parks around to hone your skating skills. More importantly, it is backed up by the local Governor!
A well-known governor of Illinois, Governor Quinn, signed a law in 2014 that announced that skateboarding was legal on a lot of the public sidewalks in Illinois.
Yes, you heard me right. It is legal on a lot of the public sidewalks in Illinois! This is the only state other than California where skateboarding is legal in public places other than skate parks.
Rules and Regulations for Skateboarding
A few laws and regulations must be upheld everywhere we skateboard if we want to do it safely.
I. Don’t Trespass
Trespassing has been an issue since the early days of skateboarding. Hence harsh laws were placed and are still active. So by no means trespass into public property.
II. Follow the Signs
Permitted areas have signs for skateboarding where you might be asked to not perform any stunts or keep away from park benches. Make sure to follow those guidelines.
III. Avoid Sidewalks and Highways
Skateboarding on roadways or highways is banned everywhere. And except for a few exceptions, it is also banned on sidewalks. So make sure to avoid them.
FAQs Regarding Skateboarding Is Not A Crime
In this section, let me answer some of the most frequent questions people have regarding skateboarding.
Where Can You Skateboard Legally?
As mentioned above, mainly in permitted areas in Florida, California, Georgia, and Illinois.
Where Can I Practice Skateboarding?
In your personal property, as in your home’s backyard or skate parks.
Who Has Priority, A Bike, A Runner, Or A Skateboarder?
It’s hard to tell, as it differs from state to state. But generally biker > runner > skateboarder.
Can I Ride On A Private Road Or On Private Land?
Yes, if there are no pedestrians.
How Do You Skate Without A Skatepark?
The only option would be on private property, but there are states which permit skateboarding on streets, so do your research.
Conclusion
Just because we have to maintain a few extra laws doesn’t mean skateboarding is bad. Why would it? Skateboarding is not a crime! Rather it is as legal as any other sport or hobby if a few rules are maintained.
So don’t let anyone talk you out of your hobby dear friend; take your best stride to reach great heights in skateboarding. However, do stay safe on the road, and make sure you follow the basic rules.
So, don’t forget to have fun, and when we meet one day, we will skateboard together!
