Curfew Laws in San Bernardino, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in San Bernardino or are thinking about moving there, curfew laws are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. San Bernardino has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of curfew laws, and some of them might surprise you.
Juvenile Curfew
San Bernardino bars minors under 18 from public places and business premises from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on school nights and from 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Parents, guardians and business operators who knowingly allow a minor to remain out during curfew face separate misdemeanor liability under Municipal Code Chapter 9.68.
Key details: Weeknight curfew: 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., Sun-Thu. Weekend curfew: 12:01 a.m. to 6:00 a.m., Sat-Sun. Market Night curfew: 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. near Perris Hill Park. Minor defined: under 18 years of age. First-offense cost recovery: written warning required first.
Each violation of Chapter 9.68 is a misdemeanor, and a new offense is charged for each day or part of a day the violation continues. Under § 9.68.060, when a detained minor's supervision by Police Department staff exceeds one hour, parents or legal guardians are jointly and severally liable for supervision and transportation costs per the San Bernardino Police Department's Extraordinary Law Enforcement Fee Rate Schedule, but only after a written warning has first been issued for a prior violation, per Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code § 625.5.
Park Curfew
San Bernardino Municipal Code § 12.68.020 closes public parks overnight: 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. from October through March, and 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. from April through September, with a 10:00 p.m. cutoff for people using lighted activity areas.
Key details: Winter curfew (Oct-Mar): 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.. Summer curfew (Apr-Sep): 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.. Lighted-activity exception: Until 10:00 p.m.. Extra closure authority: Chief of Police, any time. Penalty: Misdemeanor under § 1.12.010.
Violating the park curfew in § 12.68.020, including remaining after a Chief of Police closure order, is a misdemeanor under § 12.68.030, punishable in accordance with § 1.12.010.
The Bottom Line
San Bernardino'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 San Bernardino is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on San Bernardino's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.