How Los Angeles Handles Curfew Laws: A Practical Guide

Los Angeles maintains 240 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 Los Angeles falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Park Curfew

Los Angeles parks are closed to the public between 10:30 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. daily. On-site supervisors may extend the 10:30 p.m. closing by up to 90 minutes for approved departmental events.

Key details: Standard park closing time: 10:30 p.m.. Standard park opening time: 5:00 a.m.. Beach/ocean park closing: Midnight. Event extension allowed: Up to 1.5 hours (1 hour at Griffith Park). Governing authority: LAMC § 63.44 B.14.

Violation is subject to Section 11.00 of the LAMC, which provides for misdemeanor prosecution. Park rangers are authorized to arrest for violations observed in their presence.

Juvenile Curfew

Minors under 18 are prohibited from being in public places between 10 p.m. and sunrise. A separate daytime curfew bars school-age minors from public places during school hours on school days.

Key details: Nighttime curfew hours: 10:00 p.m. to sunrise, every day. Age covered (nighttime): Under 18 years. Daytime curfew applies to: Minors subject to compulsory education, during school hours on school days. Max fine (daytime, 3rd+ violation): $20. Officer pre-condition: Must ask minor's age and reason before citing.

Nighttime curfew violations can result in citation or arrest after the officer confirms no exception applies. Daytime curfew violations are infractions: first and second violations are punishable only by an attendance plan or community service not exceeding 20 hours in any 60-day period. Third and subsequent daytime violations may carry a fine up to $20, which may be waived for indigence.

The Bottom Line

Los Angeles'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 Los Angeles is broadly strict or permissive.

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