How Lodi Handles Curfew Laws: A Practical Guide

Lodi maintains 117 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 Lodi falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Park Curfew

Lodi city parks are closed at night under Lodi Municipal Code Chapter 12.12 (Recreational Areas). Lodi Lake Park has posted closing hours (typically 10 p.m.) and the citywide juvenile curfew (11 p.m.–5 a.m.) also bars under-18 use of any public space. Adults who remain in a posted-closed park after hours are subject to citation as a violation of LMC Chapter 12.12 and trespass under Penal Code §602.

Key details: Authority: LMC Chapter 12.12 (Recreational Areas). Lodi Lake Park closing: ~10:00 p.m. (posted, seasonal). Neighborhood parks closing: Dusk (typical). Juvenile curfew (also applies in parks): 11:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.. Camping in parks: Prohibited (except permitted events).

After-hours park use is an infraction under LMC §1.08.020 with fines of $100 (first), $200 (second), $500 (third in one year). Trespass under Penal Code §602(o) is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 fine and/or 6 months jail. Vehicles left in the park after closing may be cited or towed under LMC Title 10. Camping in city parks (other than at organized permitted events) is prohibited under LMC Chapter 12.12 and triggers immediate removal. Lodi PD non-emergency: 209-333-6727; Parks: 209-333-6742.

Juvenile Curfew

Lodi prohibits minors under 18 from loitering, idling, wandering, or playing in any public place between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. The ordinance was adopted by the Lodi City Council in 1993 and includes constitutionally required exceptions for minors accompanied by a parent/guardian, performing an errand, going to or from work, or attending a school or religious event.

Key details: Curfew hours: 11:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.. Age covered: Under 18. Adopted: 1993 (Lodi City Council). Daytime / school-hours curfew: None codified — no separate truancy curfew. Parent / guardian accompaniment: Exception applies.

First curfew violation: typically Lodi PD will return the minor home with a warning and a parent contact (no citation), per standard juvenile-justice practice and Welfare & Institutions Code §625. Subsequent violations: infraction citation. Per Cal. Welfare & Institutions Code §256, curfew violations are status offenses (acts not unlawful for adults) and are processed through the juvenile court system, not as criminal misdemeanors. Parents/guardians who knowingly permit a curfew violation may be cited under Lodi's parental-responsibility section, with administrative fines under LMC §1.08. Lodi PD non-emergency: 209-333-6727.

The Bottom Line

Lodi'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 Lodi is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Lodi's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.