Curfew Laws in Redwood City, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

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

Juvenile Curfew

Redwood City makes it unlawful for a minor to remain in any public place during curfew hours: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday in September through May, and 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m. every day in June through August.

Key details: School year (Sep–May): 10 p.m.–6 a.m. Sun–Thu. Weekends (Sep–May): 12:01 a.m.–6 a.m. Fri–Sat. Summer (Jun–Aug): 12:01 a.m.–6 a.m. daily. Code section: RCC 19.1–19.2.

A minor who remains in a public place during curfew hours violates Redwood City Code section 19.2 and is subject to enforcement under section 19.4.

Compared to other cities, Redwood City takes a harder line on juvenile curfew. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Park Curfew

Redwood City closes every park, recreation area, and its parking lots to the public between sunset and sunrise under City Code Section 25.2.01(B). No one may remain or loiter inside a closed park, with narrow carve-outs for parking lots serving an active program and lighted recreation areas, which close at 10:30 p.m.

Key details: General park hours: Sunset to sunrise, closed to public. Lighted recreation areas: Close at 10:30 p.m.. Program exception: Open during Department program + 1 hour. Parking lot exception: Open during use + 1 hour after. Violation penalty: Infraction under Code Sec. 1.7B.

Remaining in a Redwood City park after its posted closing time, or entering one that is locked or posted against entry, is an infraction under Section 25.2.06, punishable as provided in Code Section 1.7B. The Director or Chief of Police can authorize after-hours access by permit, and the Director can order an immediate emergency closure of any park under Section 25.2.01(D).

The Bottom Line

Redwood City'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 Redwood City is broadly strict or permissive.

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