Curfew Laws in Mountain View, CA

If you live in Mountain View or are thinking about moving there, curfew laws are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Mountain View has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of curfew laws, and some of them might surprise you.

Juvenile Curfew

Mountain View bars minors under 18 from loitering in public streets, parks or other public places between 10 p.m. and sunrise unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, or actually travelling to or from a lawful activity. Parents and business managers who allow violations face liability too.

Key details: Curfew hours: 10:00 p.m. to sunrise. Covered age: Under 18. Adult-accompaniment exception: Parent/guardian/custodian present. Activity exception: Lawful business, worship, amusement. Business duty: May not permit loitering minors (Sec. 21.6).

A minor found loitering in a public place during curfew hours without an accompanying adult or a qualifying reason violates Sec. 21.3. A parent or guardian who allows the violation is separately liable under Sec. 21.4, and anyone who aids or encourages the minor's violation is liable under Sec. 21.5; businesses that permit it face liability under Sec. 21.6. These are prosecuted under the general Sec. 1.7 schedule: up to $100 for a first infraction, escalating to $500 for a third within a year, with a fourth chargeable as a misdemeanor.

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

Park Curfew

Mountain View parks, tennis courts and parking areas close to the public a half hour after sunset and stay closed until 6:00 a.m. under City Code Sec. 38.13. Shoreline at Mountain View Park runs on separate hours the city manager sets by regulation, and vehicles cannot park anywhere in a park during closed hours.

Key details: Governing section: City Code Sec. 38.13. Closing time: 1/2 hour after sunset. Reopening time: 6:00 a.m.. Shoreline Park hours: Set separately by city manager. Vehicle rule: No parking in parks during closed hours.

Entering or remaining in a Mountain View park, tennis court or parking area between a half hour after sunset and 6:00 a.m. without city-employee status, a permit, a reserved activity, or an authorized special event or class violates Sec. 38.13(a). Parking a vehicle in a park, parking area or recreation center during those same hours without qualifying for one of the listed exceptions violates Sec. 38.13(c). Park rangers, created under Sec. 38.19 with public officer status and arrest power, are tasked with enforcing this curfew.

The Bottom Line

Mountain View'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 Mountain View is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Mountain View 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.