Costa Mesa, CA Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)

The Costa Mesa Municipal Code establishes a juvenile curfew to promote public safety and reduce juvenile crime and victimization. Minors under 18 years of age are prohibited from being present in any public place, including streets, sidewalks, parks, alleys, parking lots, and commercial establishments, during curfew hours. Sunday through Thursday curfew is 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Friday and Saturday curfew is 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM. The ordinance provides several exemptions: minors accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; minors traveling directly to or from a place of lawful employment; minors on an errand directed by a parent or guardian; minors engaged in First Amendment-protected activities such as attendance at religious services or political events; minors in a vehicle involved in interstate travel; and minors who are emancipated. Business owners and operators may not knowingly allow unaccompanied minors to remain on their premises during curfew hours. Parents or guardians who knowingly permit or fail to exercise reasonable control to prevent curfew violations by their children may also be held responsible. The Costa Mesa Police Department enforces curfew through patrol officers. A minor found in violation is typically transported to the police station and released to a parent or guardian. The Triangle Square and South Coast Metro commercial areas have historically been focal points for curfew enforcement.