San Diego County, CA Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Curfew hours
- 10:00 p.m.-5:00 a.m.
- Who's covered
- Anyone under 18
- Area
- Unincorporated San Diego County only
- Enforcer
- San Diego County Sheriff's deputies
- Parent liability
- Parents/guardians can also be cited
Summary
Unincorporated San Diego County bars minors from public places or business premises from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult.
It is unlawful for any minor to be present in any public place or on the premises of any establishment within the unincorporated area of the County of San Diego during curfew hours unaccompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible adult. "Curfew hours" means the period from 10:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. the following day.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-141: Administrative: Current through Ord. No. 11007 (N.S.), effective 7-10-26 | Regulatory: Current through Ord. No. 11008 (N.S.), effective 7-24-26).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 35.103 makes it unlawful for anyone under 18 to be in a public place or on an establishment's premises in the unincorporated area during curfew hours (10 p.m.-5 a.m.) without a parent, guardian, or responsible adult, and separately makes it unlawful for a parent or guardian to knowingly or negligently let that happen. Section 35.102 defines curfew hours and the key terms; exceptions in § 35.103(c) cover errands run for a parent, interstate travel, work or school activities, emergencies, the sidewalk in front of the minor's own home, adult-supervised county or civic-organization activities, First Amendment activity, and emancipated minors. A deputy sheriff must confirm the minor's age and reason for being out before enforcing.
Violations & Fines
Violation is a misdemeanor or infraction at the Sheriff's discretion under the county's general penalty provisions; deputies must first check age, presence reason, and any exception before citing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this curfew apply inside the City of San Diego?
Can a minor walk home from a late shift after 10 p.m.?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California curfew laws overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.