How Fontana Handles Curfew Laws: A Practical Guide

Fontana maintains 107 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with curfew laws. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Fontana falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Juvenile Curfew

Fontana bars anyone under 18 from being in a public place or business establishment between 10 p.m. and sunrise, unless a listed exception applies, such as being on a parent-directed errand, coming home from work, or attending a supervised civic or religious activity. A parent who knowingly lets a juvenile break curfew is separately liable, and police may cite or detain a violator until a guardian arrives.

Key details: Curfew hours: 10:00 p.m. to sunrise, every night. Applies to: Anyone under 18 years old. Exceptions: 9 listed, incl. work, errands, supervised activities. Parent liability: Separate violation for knowingly permitting breach. Enforcement: Citation and temporary detention until guardian arrives.

A juvenile found in a public place or business establishment after 10:00 p.m. without a qualifying exception, and a parent who knowingly allows it, are each separately in violation under Sec. 16-2(b) and (c). Sec. 16-3 lets a peace officer cite the juvenile and the parent and detain the juvenile only until a parent or guardian takes custody; both must then appear in court as the citation directs.

Park Curfew

Fontana parks close to the public between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. under Sec. 19-5; anyone who enters, loiters or remains during those hours is violating the code unless they're taking part in an activity the city approved or sponsored. Police can cite trespassers on the spot.

Key details: Curfew hours: 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. daily. Applies to: Any publicly maintained park. Exception: City-approved or city-sponsored activities only. Penalty basis: General Code penalty, Sec. 1-7. Contrast: Skate parks carry a separate $150 fine, Sec. 19-6(f).

Being in a park after closing defaults to the citywide general penalty, Sec. 1-7: an infraction punishable by up to $500, or a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 and six months in jail, at the city attorney's or district attorney's discretion.

This is one of the stricter rules in Fontana's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Fontana'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 Fontana is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Fontana 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.