Santa Cruz County, CA Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Curfew hours
- 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
- Who it covers
- Unemancipated minors under 18
- Exemptions
- 9 listed, e.g. work, emergency, parent
- Officer duty
- Must ask age and reason first
- Minor's outcome
- Handled via juvenile court procedure
Summary
Santa Cruz County bars minors under 18 from lingering in public places between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. under the Youth Protection Curfew, SCCC § 8.21.030. The ordinance lists nine exemptions, including being with a parent, coming home from work or a supervised activity, or responding to an emergency, and an officer must ask age and reason before enforcing.
'Curfew hours' means the hours between 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. for minors under the age of 18 years. ... It is unlawful for an unemancipated minor (under the age of 18) to tarry in any public place between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 5004302; v11 updated 2026-05-19; through 05-19-2026).
Full Breakdown
010). for anyone under 18 and defines 'tarry' as remaining, wandering, strolling, or playing without apparent purpose while not under a parent's or guardian's control. 030 makes it unlawful for an unemancipated minor to tarry in any public place, including streets, sidewalks, parks, and the outdoor common areas of a business, during those hours. 040 lists nine exemptions: accompanied by a parent or guardian; on an errand at a parent's direction without detour; in a vehicle on interstate travel; going to or from lawful employment without detour; responding to an emergency; on the sidewalk in front of their own home or the home next door; returning directly home from a school, religious, sports, or entertainment activity or an organized rally or meeting; waiting at a train or bus station for transportation; or legally emancipated. 050). 060).
Violations & Fines
An officer must ask the minor's age and reason for being out before enforcing, and may only cite if no exemption under § 8.21.040 applies (§ 8.21.050). A minor found in violation is referred to juvenile court rather than charged as an adult misdemeanant, while other violations of the chapter are misdemeanors under § 8.21.060.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hours does Santa Cruz County's juvenile curfew cover?
Can a teen be out with a parent during curfew hours?
What happens if a deputy stops a minor after curfew?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Cruz County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Cruz County to another location·View the California curfew laws overview
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