Los Angeles County
Department of Public Health
Injury Violence and Prevention Program
Phone: (213) 351-7888
Fax: (213) 351-2713
Email: ivpp@ph.lacounty.gov
Skateboard Rules
Protect your head. Always wear
a helmet-Its now the law!
Wear elbow and knee pads
Wear wrist guards
Wear gloves
Always ride during daylight hours
Wear bright-colored clothes that make you more visible
Stay alert! Watch for potholes, dogs, water, rocks and people.
Look both ways before crossing alleyways and driveways.
Children younger than 5 years of age should not use skateboards. Their center of gravity is higher,
their neuromuscular system is not well developed, their judgment is poor, and they are not sufficiently able to protect themselves from
injury. More developmentally appropriate activities need to be encouraged.
Skateboards must never be ridden near traffic. Their use should be prohibited on streets and highways.
Activities that bring skateboards and motor vehicles together ("catching a ride") are especially dangerous.
Skateboarders need to be encouraged to wear helmets and protective padding for their elbows and
knees to reduce or prevent injury. The experience of children wearing multi-purpose helmets needs evaluation.
Communities should be encouraged to develop safe skateboarding areas away from pedestrian and motor
vehicle traffic.
