Skates Code of Conduct

There are laws that set out rules for skating on footpaths, roads and in other public places.

This is good news for people who enjoy skating, and use it as a way of getting around. It means that everyone knows where it's OK to skate.

Skaters are able to share footpaths, and some roads with other people - unless an area is clearly signed as a place where skating is not allowed.

Skate smart and safe - check out the detail of the new rules

Sharing the Roads

In the interests of skater safety:

You must not skate on any road at night.
Do not skate on a road with a dividing line, median strip or on one way roads with more than one marked lane.
Do not skate on any road where the speed limit is greater than 50 km/h.
Just like driving, you must skate as far to the left of the road as practicable.
Do not be pulled along by a vehicle or 'slipstream' behind a vehicle..
On roads, skaters must give way to all vehicles.
If you are under 12 years old, you must not skate on any road.

Sharing the footpaths

If you are skating on the footpath:

Do not skate in areas marked (by signs or by footpath markings) as No Go Zones.
Do not skate alongside more than one other skater or pedestrian.
Give way to all pedestrians.
Skate on the left side of the footpath.
Pass people on the right, and only when there are no on-coming pedestrians.

Respect other footpath users - slow down when it is busy, or where there are young children, older people and people with disabilities.

This sign indicates the area is a No Go Zone

No go zones

If there are a lot of pedestrians in a public space or on a footpath, such as in a mall or outside a busy shopping centre, local councils can declare the area a "No Go Zone". No Go Zones are off limits to skating. These areas will be marked by a sign and may also have pavement markings.
For details about which areas in your municipality may be marked as No Go Zones, please contact your local Council.

penalties

If you break the law the penalty will depend on how serious the offence is.

Skating in a No Go Zone - on the spot fine of $35 or confiscation of your board for seven ( 7 ) days.
Failing to keep left or give way to pedestrians - on the spot fine of $35 or confiscation of your board for seven ( 7 ) days.
Skating on a road at night, or skating on a road with a speed limit over 50 km/h - on the spot fine of $50 or confiscation of your board for seven ( 7 ) days.
Riding without due care and attention or consideration for others - on the spot fines ranging from $35 to $50 or confiscation of your board for seven ( 7 ) days.

If you appear before a court in relation to any of these offences, the court may impose bigger fines.

confiscation

If your board is confiscated by Police you will be able to get it back after seven ( 7 ) days. If you are under 18 you will have to bring an adult with you when you collect it.

liability

If you hit a person or a vehicle and you are found to be at fault, you may have to pay damages and that person's medical expenses.

protect yourself

Wear appropriate safety gear - helmet, knee pads and elbow pads.
Wear reflective gear when skating on footpaths at night.

For further information about the skating rules, please contact the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources.