Anaheim's Curfew Laws: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles curfew laws a little differently. In Anaheim, California, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Park Curfew

Anaheim closes every public park from 10:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Remaining, staying, or loitering inside a park during those hours is unlawful under the Municipal Code's park-conduct chapter, and the City Attorney can charge violators with either an infraction or, at their discretion, a misdemeanor.

Key details: Curfew hours: 10:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.. Governing section: AMC 13.08.020.190. Enforcing agency: Anaheim Police Department. Penalty: Infraction or misdemeanor, City Attorney's choice. Applies to: All city-maintained public parks.

Anaheim Police Department officers cite park curfew violations under AMC 13.08.020.190. The City Attorney may prosecute as an infraction, carrying the fine set by California Government Code Section 36900, or elevate the charge to a misdemeanor under subsection .220. Officers and park rangers can eject anyone found in a park after 10:30 p.m. without waiting for a separate court date to close the park for the night.

Juvenile Curfew

Anaheim bars anyone under 17 from public places, vacant lots or business establishments between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Police may stop and question a minor to check age and activity. Several exceptions cover work, school events, emergencies and parental accompaniment.

Key details: Curfew hours: 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.. Covered age: Under 17, unmarried/unemancipated. Governing chapter: AMC Chapter 7.12. Enforcement: Police may request age/activity info. Key exceptions: Work, school events, emergencies, parent.

Anaheim's curfew chapter does not itself state a separate penalty section; enforcement is an officer stop under Section 7.12.040 to confirm age and activity, with citation or referral to juvenile authorities when no exception applies. Parents who direct or knowingly allow a minor's violation can be treated as responsible parties under the ordinance's intent findings. Officers must limit inquiries to what is reasonably necessary to determine a violation.

Compared to other cities, Anaheim takes a harder line on juvenile curfew. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Anaheim's curfew laws rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Anaheim is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Anaheim can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.