Lodi, CA Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)

Lodi's juvenile curfew was adopted by the City Council in 1993 after the Council found that minors loitering on city streets and in public places during late-night hours was an increasing problem contributing to crime victimization and disturbance. The ordinance makes it unlawful for any minor under 18 to loiter, idle, wander, stroll, or play in any public place — including streets, sidewalks, parks, playgrounds, public buildings, places of amusement, restaurants, and vacant lots — between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. The ordinance includes the standard constitutionally required exceptions established in Nunez v. City of San Diego (9th Cir. 1997) and Waters v. Barry: (1) minors accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other adult having lawful care; (2) minors performing a legitimate errand at the direction of a parent or guardian; (3) minors going directly to or returning directly from a place of public amusement, a school function, a religious event, or a place of employment with parental knowledge and consent; (4) minors exercising First Amendment rights (speech, religion, assembly); and (5) minors involved in an emergency. The ordinance imposes responsibility on parents/guardians who knowingly permit a violation. Lodi PD enforces the curfew through non-arrest contact for first offenses — typically a ride home and a parent notification.