Juvenile Curfew: San Mateo vs South San Francisco
How do juvenile curfew rules compare between San Mateo, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
San Mateo has fewer restrictions than South San Francisco.
San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
The City of San Mateo does not maintain a local juvenile curfew ordinance. San Mateo County enacted an emergency countywide curfew during the 2020 civil unrest but that was temporary. Standard juvenile supervision is enforced through state law including truancy provisions during school hours.
View full San Mateo rules →South San Francisco, CA
San Mateo County
San Mateo County Code Chapter 3.04 (Juvenile Curfew Regulations) prohibits minors under 18 from being in public places within unincorporated areas of the County between 11:30 PM and 5:00 AM on weeknights, and between 12:30 AM and 5:00 AM Friday, Saturday, and holiday nights. A daytime truancy curfew applies during school hours. Standard exceptions include minors accompanied by a parent/guardian, traveling to or from work or school activities, or in case of emergency.
View full South San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Mateo | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Juvenile Curfew | None — no standing ordinance | - |
| 2020 Emergency | Temporary countywide — expired | - |
| School Truancy | CA Education Code enforced | - |
| State Law | PC §653g — contributing to delinquency | - |
| Police | SMPD — 650-522-7700 | - |
| Authority | - | SMC Code Ch. 3.04 |
| Age | - | Under 18 |
| Weeknights | - | 11:30 PM to 5 AM |
| Weekends | - | 12:30 AM to 5 AM |
| Daytime Truancy | - | School hours |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Mateo FAQ
Does San Mateo have a juvenile curfew?
No. The City of San Mateo does not have a standing juvenile curfew ordinance. The 2020 countywide emergency curfew was temporary and has expired.
Can minors be out late at night in San Mateo?
There is no curfew prohibiting minors from public spaces at night. Police may conduct welfare checks and contact parents if they encounter unaccompanied minors late at night.
What about truancy?
Truancy during school hours is enforced through the school district and county under California Education Code, separate from any curfew.
South San Francisco FAQ
My teen works a late shift at a restaurant — do they need special paperwork?
Under Chapter 3.04, minors traveling directly to or from bona fide employment are exempt. Carrying a recent pay stub or signed employer note showing the shift end time and the direct route home is recommended in case deputies stop them.
Does the County juvenile curfew apply in cities like Redwood City or San Mateo?
No. Chapter 3.04 applies only to unincorporated County areas. Cities set their own juvenile curfews — for example, City of San Mateo's Chapter 10.12 has similar but separately enforceable rules. Check your local city municipal code.
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