Chino's Curfew Laws: The Rules That Matter

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

Chino closes every city park overnight: remaining in a park between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. the following morning is a misdemeanor under Municipal Code § 12.20.040. The only exception is an organized activity that the Community Services, Parks, and Recreation Department has approved in advance.

Key details: Curfew hours: 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.. Violation class: Misdemeanor. Maximum fine: $1,000 (§ 1.12.010(B)). Maximum jail: 6 months (§ 1.12.010(B)). Curfew exemption: Approved organized activities only.

A curfew violation is a straight misdemeanor, not an infraction. Under the general penalty, § 1.12.010(B), a misdemeanor conviction under any Chino ordinance carries a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both, and § 1.12.010(C) treats each day of a continuing violation as a separate offense. Refusing a lawful order from a police officer or code enforcement officer to leave the park after 10:00 p.m. is itself a separate misdemeanor under § 12.20.060.

Juvenile Curfew

Chino Municipal Code § 9.80.040 bars minors under 18 from loitering or wandering in public streets or places between 10:00 p.m. and sunrise, with ten specific exceptions covering parental accompaniment, work, medical trips, First Amendment activity and direct trips home from events. Violation is an infraction under § 9.80.080, and parents face strict liability for allowing a violation under § 9.80.070.

Key details: Curfew hours: 10:00 p.m. to sunrise. Covered persons: Unemancipated minors under 18. Number of exceptions: 10, listed in § 9.80.040(B). Curfew permit issuer: Chief of police, § 9.80.050. Parental liability standard: Strict liability, § 9.80.070.

A curfew violation is charged as an infraction under § 9.80.080, punishable by a fine under § 1.12.010(B), unless the minor requests a petition be filed under Welfare and Institutions Code § 601 or § 602 instead. Each violation is treated as a separate offense, and a parent who knowingly or negligently allows the violation is independently liable under the chapter's strict-liability parental provision, § 9.80.070.

The Bottom Line

Chino'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 Chino is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Chino 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.