Bakersfield's Curfew Laws: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles curfew laws a little differently. In Bakersfield, 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.

Juvenile Curfew

Bakersfield Municipal Code § 9.44.010 bars minors under 18 from loitering on streets, in places of amusement or entertainment, or in other public places between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., unless accompanied by an adult or covered by a narrow set of exceptions.

Key details: Curfew hours: 10:00 p.m.–5:00 a.m.. Who's covered: Any person under 18 (minor). Adult exception: Accompanied by parent/guardian/adult in charge. Parent liability: Separate offense under §9.44.020. Section: BMC §§ 9.44.010-9.44.020.

A minor found loitering in a public place, street, or place of amusement between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. without qualifying for one of the § 9.44.010 exceptions can be cited or taken into custody by Bakersfield police. Separately, a parent, guardian or adult with custody of the minor can be cited under § 9.44.020 for knowingly permitting or allowing that loitering during the curfew window, independent of any citation issued to the minor.

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

Park Curfew

Bakersfield city parks are closed to the public between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. under Municipal Code § 12.56.050(M), with camping or overnight structures separately banned around the clock under subsection N.

Key details: Curfew hours: 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.. Scope: All city parks, citywide. Camping ban: 24/7, § 12.56.050(N). Exception: Events under an approved use/special permit. Enforcement: Park rangers, police, Chapter 1.40.

Being present in a Bakersfield city park between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. without an applicable use or special-events permit violates § 12.56.050(M) and is enforceable under the general citation and penalty provisions of Chapter 1.40; violators can also be expelled from the park under § 12.56.055 with no cap on repeat expulsions.

The Bottom Line

Bakersfield'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 Bakersfield is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Bakersfield's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.