Calaveras County, CA Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 9.08.020
- Curfew hours
- 10:30 p.m. to daylight
- Applies to
- Minors under 18
- Exceptions
- Parent/guardian, emergency errand, direct return
- Penalty basis
- Welf. & Inst. Code §§ 654, 725 et seq.
Summary
Calaveras County bars minors under eighteen from loitering in public places between 10:30 p.m. and daylight under § 9.08.020, with exceptions for minors accompanied by a parent, on an emergency errand, or returning directly from work, school or an activity.
"Loiter," as used in this chapter, means to idle, to loaf, to stand idly by, or to walk, drive or ride about aimlessly without lawful purpose. ... It is unlawful for any minor under the age of eighteen years to loiter in or upon the public streets, highways, roads, alleys, parks, playgrounds, or other public grounds, public places and public buildings, places of amusement and eating places, commercial lots, or vacant lots between the hours of ten-thirty p.m. and daylight immediately following; provided, however, the provisions of this section do not apply (1) when the minor is accompanied by his or her parents, guardian or other adult person having the care and custody of the minor, or (2) when the minor is upon an emergency errand directed by his or her parent or guardian or other adult person having the care and custody of the minor, or (3) when the minor is returning directly home from his or her place of employment or school, social or recreational activity/function.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
and daylight the following morning. 010 as to idle, to loaf, to stand idly by, or to walk, drive or ride about aimlessly without lawful purpose, so the ordinance targets aimless presence rather than mere presence outdoors. Three exceptions apply: a minor accompanied by a parent, guardian or other adult with care and custody; a minor on an emergency errand directed by a parent, guardian or custodial adult; and a minor returning directly home from work, school, or a social or recreational activity. 030 confirms the chapter does not limit a law enforcement officer's existing power to investigate or take a minor into temporary custody. rather than the county's own penalty schedule, reflecting that the underlying offender is a minor handled through the juvenile justice process.
Violations & Fines
Each instance of unlawful loitering under § 9.08.020 is a separate offense under that section, and § 9.08.040 sets the penalty by cross-reference to Welfare and Institutions Code §§ 654 and 725 et seq., the state juvenile-justice provisions, rather than a county fine schedule. Officers retain full authority to investigate or take a violating minor into temporary custody under § 9.08.030.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Calaveras County juvenile curfew start?
Can a minor be out past 10:30 p.m. for a job or school activity?
What penalty does a minor face for violating the curfew?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Calaveras County
California rules heatmap·Compare Calaveras County to another location·View the California curfew laws overview
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