Curfew Laws in California (2026): Everything You Need to Know

California has specific rules about when young people can be out in public. These laws help keep kids safe and reduce crime. This guide explains everything parents and teens need to know about curfew laws in California.

What Are Curfew Laws?

Curfew laws are rules that limit when minors can be in public places. A minor is anyone under 18 years old. These laws say kids cannot be in certain places during specific hours.

California does not have one statewide curfew law. Instead, each city and county makes its own rules. This means curfew times can be different depending on where you live.

The laws exist to protect young people from becoming crime victims. They also help reduce juvenile crime and support parents in controlling their children’s activities.

Basic Curfew Laws

Nighttime Curfew Hours

Most California cities have similar nighttime curfew hours. Kids under 18 cannot be in public places between 10:00 p.m. and sunrise the next day. Some areas have slightly different times.

In San Jose, kids under 16 cannot be out between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Kids who are 16 or 17 cannot be out between 11:30 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.

Placer County has a curfew from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. for all minors under 18.

What Counts as Public Places

Public places include streets, sidewalks, parks, and parking lots. They also include businesses that are open to the public. This covers most places outside of your home.

Daytime Curfew Laws

Some cities also have daytime curfew laws. These say kids cannot be in public during school hours if they should be in school. School hours are usually between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on school days.

Special Rules for Different Ages

Kids Under 16

Some cities have stricter rules for younger kids. In San Jose, children under 16 must be home by 10:00 p.m.

Teens 16 and 17

Older teens often get to stay out later. In San Jose, 16 and 17-year-olds can stay out until 11:30 p.m.

Driving Curfew

California has a separate statewide driving curfew. New drivers with provisional licenses cannot drive between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. for their first 12 months. This applies to all of California, not just individual cities.

Penalties and Consequences

First Time Violations

For a first violation, police may give a warning and take the minor home. Parents might need to sign a notice about the violation.

Fines

Fines can be up to $80 in some cities like Santa Barbara. Other areas charge between $100 for a second offense and up to $500 for repeat violations.

Community Service

Courts may order community service instead of or along with fines. This is usually 8 to 20 hours of service. The service must be done when the teen is not in school or at work.

Serious Consequences

Repeat violations can lead to juvenile court involvement, mandatory community service, school discipline, and a juvenile record if tied to other charges.

Parental Responsibility

Parents can be charged if they knowingly let their child break curfew laws. They may have to pay for police services to transport their child home.

Legal Exceptions to Curfew

With Parents or Guardians

Kids can be out during curfew hours if they are with a parent, guardian, or other authorized adult. The adult must be at least 18 years old and have permission from the parents.

Work-Related Activities

Teens can be out if they are going to or from work. They cannot make stops or detours along the way.

School and Religious Events

Kids can attend official school events, religious activities, or civic programs with adult supervision. They must travel directly to and from these events.

Errands for Parents

Teens can run errands directed by their parents or guardians. They must go directly to complete the errand without stopping.

Emergencies

Emergency situations allow kids to be out during curfew. This includes fires, natural disasters, car accidents, or medical emergencies.

Constitutional Rights

Kids can exercise their First Amendment rights during curfew hours. This includes freedom of speech, religion, and assembly.

Emancipated Minors

Kids who are legally emancipated or married are exempt from curfew laws.

How Police Enforce Curfew Laws

Officer Requirements

Before taking action, police must ask the minor’s age and reason for being out during curfew hours. Officers cannot make arrests or issue citations unless they believe a violation occurred and no exceptions apply.

What Happens When Stopped

If police stop a minor during curfew hours, several things can happen. The officer may give a warning and send the teen home. They might issue a citation similar to a traffic ticket. Police may also detain the minor until parents arrive.

Parents’ Role

Police will try to contact parents to pick up their child. If parents cannot be reached or refuse to come, police may take the child home or to a juvenile facility.

How to Comply with Curfew Laws

Know Your Local Rules

Check your city or county’s specific curfew laws. Look up your local municipal code online or call your police department. Rules can be very different from one city to another.

Plan Ahead

If your teen needs to be out during curfew hours, make sure they qualify for an exception. Get written permission from employers or school officials when needed.

Carry Documentation

Some cities allow teens to carry signed documentation from parents giving permission to be out during curfew hours. Check if your area accepts this option.

Stay Informed

Curfew laws can change. Stay updated on any new rules in your community. Join local parent groups or follow city announcements.

Recent Changes and Updates

Current curfew laws in California come from ordinances dating back to 1989, 1995, and 1998. Most cities have not made major changes recently. However, enforcement may vary based on local crime rates and public safety concerns.

Some cities have updated their enforcement policies to focus on education rather than punishment for first-time violations. Others have adjusted hours based on community feedback.

Resources for Help

If your child receives a curfew citation, stay calm and take action quickly. Contact a juvenile defense attorney if needed. Many lawyers offer free consultations for these cases.

Work with your teen to understand why the violation happened. Use it as a learning opportunity about following rules and staying safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is curfew for teens in California?

Most cities set curfew from 10:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m., but times vary by jurisdiction. Check your specific city or county rules.

Can my 17-year-old drive after 11 p.m.?

No, new drivers with provisional licenses cannot drive between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. for the first 12 months. This is a statewide rule.

What happens if my teen breaks curfew for the first time?

Police may give a warning and bring your teen home. Some areas require parents to sign a notification about the violation.

Can parents get in trouble for curfew violations?

Yes, parents can be charged for administration and transportation costs on a second violation. They can also face charges for knowingly allowing violations.

Are there exceptions to curfew laws?

Yes, exceptions include being with parents, traveling to/from work, attending supervised activities, responding to emergencies, and exercising constitutional rights.

Final Thoughts

Curfew laws in California aim to keep young people safe while supporting family values. Each city and county has its own rules, so knowing your local laws is important.

These laws work best when families understand them and work together. Talk with your teens about curfew rules and help them plan safe activities. Remember that exceptions exist for legitimate reasons.

If your family faces a curfew violation, handle it promptly and learn from the experience. Most violations can be resolved with proper understanding and cooperation.

References

1. Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 45.03 – Nighttime Curfew Restrictions for Minors: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/los_angeles/latest/lamc/0-0-0-131399
2. San Jose Police Department Youth Protection Curfew Information: https://www.sjpd.org/community/crime-prevention/youth-protection-curfew-information
3. Santa Barbara Municipal Code Chapter 9.04 – Curfew: https://ecode360.com/44100070
4. California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 625.5: https://regulations.justia.com/states/california/title-14/division-3/chapter-1/section-4317/
5. Legal Clarity – What Is the Curfew for Minors in California: https://legalclarity.org/what-is-the-curfew-for-minors-in-california/