Curfew Laws in Oxnard, CA

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

Park Curfew

Oxnard closes every city park and recreation area from dusk until 7 a.m. daily unless the city manager sets different hours. Anyone found on park property during closed hours violates Sec. 1-10 of the code, punishable as a misdemeanor or infraction. City-sponsored evening events are exempt from the closure.

Key details: Closure hours: Dusk to 7:00 a.m. daily. Governing section: Oxnard Code § 7-136. Misdemeanor penalty: Up to $1,000 fine, 6 months jail. Infraction fines: $100 / $200 / $500, 1st/2nd/3rd offense. Exemption: City-sponsored events and permitted activities.

Being on park property after closing is charged under Sec. 1-10: a general misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail, or, at the city attorney's discretion, an infraction with fines of $100 (first offense), $200 (second offense within a year), and $500 (third or later offense within a year). Each day of continued presence is a separate violation.

Juvenile Curfew

Oxnard bars anyone under 18 from being in public between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. under Code of Ordinances Sec. 7-71. Parents and guardians who knowingly let a minor break curfew are separately liable under Sec. 7-73, and the code lists specific exceptions such as adult-accompanied travel and school-sponsored events.

Key details: Curfew hours: 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.. Covers: Anyone under 18 ("minor"). Parent liability: Sec. 7-73, separate offense. Default penalty: Up to $1,000 and/or 6 months (Sec. 1-10). Infraction fines: $100 / $200 / $500 for repeat offenses.

A violation of Sec. 7-71 defaults to Sec. 1-10's general penalty: up to a $1,000 fine, up to six months in county jail, or both, as a misdemeanor. The city attorney can instead charge it as an infraction, capped at $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within a year, and $500 for a third or later offense in that year. A parent or guardian who permits the violation under Sec. 7-73 faces the same penalty structure.

The Bottom Line

Oxnard'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 Oxnard is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Oxnard'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.