Curfew Laws in Costa Mesa, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

Every city handles curfew laws a little differently. In Costa Mesa, 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

Costa Mesa city parks are closed to the public between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM unless otherwise posted or authorized by a special event permit. Fairview Park, TeWinkle Park, and all other municipal parks enforce these hours. The Costa Mesa Police Department conducts regular park patrols and may cite individuals found in parks after hours for trespassing.

Key details: Standard Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily. Fairview Park: 208-acre park subject to curfew. After-Hours Vehicles: Subject to towing. Parks Division: (714) 754-5300.

Persons found in city parks after posted closing hours may be cited for trespassing under California Penal Code Section 602. Park curfew violations are typically infractions with fines starting at $100. Vehicles left in park parking lots after hours may be towed at the owner's expense. Repeat offenders may face increased fines and potential misdemeanor trespassing charges.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Costa Mesa actively enforces its park curfew requirements.

Juvenile Curfew

Costa Mesa enforces a juvenile curfew under Municipal Code Chapter 20, Article 2. Minors under age 18 may not be in public places between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM Sunday through Thursday, and between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM on Friday and Saturday nights. Exceptions apply for minors accompanied by a parent, traveling to or from work, or engaged in a First Amendment activity.

Key details: Sun–Thu Curfew: 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM for under 18. Fri–Sat Curfew: 11:00 PM – 6:00 AM for under 18. Exceptions: Parent present, work travel, First Amendment. Enforcement: CMPD patrol officers.

First-time juvenile curfew violations typically result in the minor being transported home or to the police station for parent pickup with a warning. Subsequent violations may result in administrative citations with fines starting at $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second, and up to $500 for additional violations. Parents who knowingly permit curfew violations may receive separate citations with similar fine amounts. Business owners who allow minors to remain during curfew hours may face fines and potential business license sanctions.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Costa Mesa actively enforces its juvenile curfew requirements.

The Bottom Line

Costa Mesa is tougher than many cities when it comes to curfew laws. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Costa Mesa, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Costa Mesa's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.