Santa Clara County, CA Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Curfew hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
- Applies to
- anyone under 18
- First adult offense
- $25-$50 fine
- Repeat offense
- up to $500, 90 days jail
- Coverage
- unincorporated area only
Summary
Unincorporated Santa Clara County bars anyone under 18 from unsupervised public streets, parks, and lots between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or on a legitimate errand; parents who allow violations face rising fines.
Except as hereinafter provided, it shall be unlawful for any person under the age of 18 years to loiter, be in or upon, stroll or play in or upon any public street, avenue, highway, road, alley, park, playground or place of amusement or entertainment, vacant lot or other unsupervised place, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. of the following day, unless such person is accompanied by a parent, guardian or other responsible adult having control or custody of such minor...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
Santa Clara County's curfew ordinance makes it unlawful for anyone under 18 to loiter, stroll, or play on public streets, parks, playgrounds, or vacant lots in the unincorporated area between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent or responsible adult, or traveling on a legitimate errand. Minors returning directly home from work or a late-running show are exempt. Parents, guardians, or other adults who knowingly let a minor violate the curfew are guilty of a misdemeanor, with fines rising from $25-$50 for a first offense to $100-$500 for repeat violations, plus up to 90 days in County jail.
Violations & Fines
First adult offense: $25-$50 fine or up to 10 days jail. Second offense: $50-$100 or 30 days. Third and later offenses: $100-$500 or 90 days. Minors are referred to juvenile court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this curfew apply in San Jose or Palo Alto?
What happens if a minor is caught out past curfew?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara County to another location·View the California curfew laws overview
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