Rialto's Curfew Laws: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles curfew laws a little differently. In Rialto, California, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Juvenile Curfew

Rialto Municipal Code 9.76.020 makes it an offense for anyone under 18 to remain in a public place or business during curfew hours: 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Parents or guardians who knowingly allow it also commit an offense.

Key details: Weeknight curfew: 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sun-Thu. Weekend curfew: 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m., Fri/Sat night. Covered age: Under 18. Defenses listed: 9 exceptions in Sec. 9.76.030. Enacted: Ord. 1264, 1997.

Remaining in a public place or business during curfew hours without a defense is an offense for the minor under 9.76.020(A), and a separate offense for a parent or guardian who knowingly allows or fails to adequately control the minor under 9.76.020(B). Before citing or arresting, an officer must first ask the minor's age and reason for being out per Section 9.76.040.

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

Park Curfew

It is unlawful to enter, loiter or remain in any Rialto city park facility between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. under Municipal Code Section 2.45.050(Q), unless the facility is posted otherwise or the parks department gives written permission.

Key details: Governing section: RMC § 2.45.050(Q). Curfew hours: 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.. Exceptions: Posted hours or written department permission. Penalty: Infraction, $150 fine (§2.45.060). Parallel rule: Vehicles also barred overnight, §2.45.050(D).

Being present in a city park after ten p.m. without posted permission or a written department authorization is a violation of Chapter 2.45, which Section 2.45.060 punishes as an infraction carrying a one hundred fifty dollar fine. Rialto police or park staff can order violators to leave under the chapter's enforcement clause.

The Bottom Line

Rialto'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 Rialto is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Rialto 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.