St.Louis Skating Laws

[Negi Konno]

Hey, are there any laws or restrictions in St. Louis about boarding? Im going to be attending UMSL for one semester and wanted to bring a board or two but wanted to find out about oncampus rules or even state or city rules.

[JBH]

I'm pretty sure skating is against the law in the actual city of St. Louis, although basically the law is never enforced unless you're making a COMPLETE ass of yourself. But I doubt there are any restrictions on the UMSL campus (which is not in the city of St. Louis anyway). I can't say 100% for sure, but I've never heard of anyone getting in trouble for it, unless (again) they were overstaying their welcome at a spot and doing damage to curbs, rails, etc. If by "a board or two" you mean longboards, used mainly for transpo or cruising, you should be fine. You could always get a cop with an attitude (happened to a friend of mine in Ferguson, a suburb a few miles from UMSL), but basically, I'd say don't worry and bring 'em.

[mexifly]

Here you go, you need to find out the legal difference between a public roadway and a public street.


17.20.120 Roller skates, coaster and similar devices restricted.

No person shall ride upon any public roadway by means of roller skates, sled, coaster, toy vehicle or similar device. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 829.120.)

17.20.125 Roller skates, in line skates and skateboards prohibited in certain area..

A. The use of roller skates, in line skates, skateboards or similar devices shall be prohibited, by any person, upon any public street, alley, sidewalk, park, plaza, mall or other public area bounding the streets and alleys within the area bounded by Jefferson Avenue on the west, Washington Avenue on the north, Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard on the east, and Interstate 64 on the south.

B. Subsection A of this section shall not apply to the following individuals:

1. A participant in a parade or other public event for which a permit has been issued by the City Street Department or the Board of Public Service for said parade or other public event to be conducted within the aforementioned geographical area;

2. An individual who uses roller skates, in line skates, skateboards or similar devices in conducting his or her business or employment, or commuting to a specific destination;

3. An individual who uses roller skates, in line skates, skateboards or similar devices on a designated bicycle path.

C. Any person found guilty of violating the provisions of this section shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) for the first violation and not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00), nor more than five hundred dollars ($500.00), for any subsequent violation occurring within one year of the date of the guilty plea or finding of guilt for the first violation. In lieu of a fine, the Court may require the completion of not less than fifteen (15) hours of community service. (Ord. 63839 §§ 1--3, 1996.)

[K-SHIZZ]

Here you go, you need to find out the legal difference between a public roadway and a public street.


17.20.120 Roller skates, coaster

roller coaster???

[JBH]

B. Subsection A of this section shall not apply to the following individuals:

1. A participant in a parade or other public event for which a permit has been issued by the City Street Department or the Board of Public Service for said parade or other public event to be conducted within the aforementioned geographical area;

2. An individual who uses roller skates, in line skates, skateboards or similar devices in conducting his or her business or employment, or commuting to a specific destination;

3. An individual who uses roller skates, in line skates, skateboards or similar devices on a designated bicycle path.

Hmmm...I remember looking up the law a few years ago, and it only included Section 17.20.120. The rest has been added since then.

Part 2 of Subsection B is the first law or regulation I've seen that distinguishes skating for transportation from loitering, trespassing, property damage, etc. I hate to see skating regulated at all, but at least this provision separates the act of simply riding a skateboard in ANY way from the sort of legitimate complaints a community or property owner might have about skating's "incidental" impact. So, a cautious from me.

[yesman]

I live in St. Louis and I ride past cops all the time. The only time I have ever been approached by the cops is when some old guy called the cops on me, even though I had just been riding up and down a hill on hi street.

[JBH]

I live in St. Louis and I ride past cops all the time. The only time I have ever been approached by the cops is when some old guy called the cops on me, even though I had just been riding up and down a hill on hi street.

Exactly. Most cops will look the other way unless you're doing something they regard as annoying, dangerous or destructive. Sometimes, however, both cops and civilians will be a little more touchy and will run you off. Your best bet then is to be respectful if at all possible and get on about your business somewhere else for the time being. Don't wear out your welcome at one spot.