The rules as written
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 16 years old |
| Helmet | Required for all riders |
| Speed | Board limited to 15 mph |
| Where | Bicycle paths, lanes, and roads posted 35 mph or less |
| Impairment | Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited |
| Lights | Reflectors or lamps required for night riding |
| Local control | Cities and counties may further restrict sidewalk or path use |
How this is enforced
Most violations are infractions handled with a citation. The situations that escalate are impairment, collisions causing injury, and riding away from a stop — and an ignored citation becomes a failure to appear and then a warrant, which is the point where families call us.
Note that electric scooters and Class 1–3 e-bikes have their own separate Vehicle Code rules. Do not assume a scooter rule applies to a board or the other way around.
Practical advice
- Check your city's ordinance before riding on sidewalks; several LA-area cities restrict it.
- Helmets are not optional under state law, regardless of age.
- Do not ride impaired — a DUI-adjacent stop on a board is still a stop.
- Deal with any citation promptly; see warrant bail bonds.