Los Angeles, CA Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Nighttime curfew hours
- 10:00 p.m. to sunrise, every day
- Age covered (nighttime)
- Under 18 years
- Daytime curfew applies to
- Minors subject to compulsory education, during school hours on school days
- Max fine (daytime, 3rd+ violation)
- $20
- Officer pre-condition
- Must ask minor's age and reason before citing
Summary
Minors under 18 are prohibited from being in public places between 10 p.m. and sunrise. A separate daytime curfew bars school-age minors from public places during school hours on school days.
SEC. 45.03. NIGHTTIME CURFEW RESTRICTIONS FOR MINORS.
(a) Curfew. It is unlawful for any minor under the age of eighteen years to be present in or upon any public street, avenue, highway, road, curb area, alley, park, playground, or other public ground, public place or public building, place of amusement or eating place, vacant lot, or unsupervised place between the hours of 10:00 p.m. on any day and sunrise of the immediately following day.
(b) Exceptions. The provisions of this section shall not apply when:
(1) The minor is accompanied by the minor's parent, guardian, other adult person authorized by the parent or guardian having the care or custody of the minor, or by the minor's spouse eighteen years of age or older; or
(3) The minor is attending or going directly to or returning directly home from a public meeting or a place of public entertainment such as a movie, play, sporting event, dance or school activity; or
(8) The minor is emancipated in accordance with the California Family Code or other applicable state law.
(c) Enforcement. Before taking any action to enforce the provisions of this section, police officers shall ask the apparent offender's age and reason for being in the public place during curfew hours.
Full Breakdown
The nighttime curfew (LAMC § 45.03) applies every day of the year with exceptions for minors accompanied by a parent or authorized adult, on a parental errand without detour, attending or traveling directly to/from a public event or school activity, exercising First Amendment rights, involved in an emergency, in interstate travel, or emancipated. A second daytime curfew (LAMC § 45.04) bars minors subject to compulsory education from public places during hours their school is in session. Officers must first ask the apparent offender's age and reason before taking any enforcement action.
Violations & Fines
Nighttime curfew violations can result in citation or arrest after the officer confirms no exception applies. Daytime curfew violations are infractions: first and second violations are punishable only by an attendance plan or community service not exceeding 20 hours in any 60-day period. Third and subsequent daytime violations may carry a fine up to $20, which may be waived for indigence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my 16-year-old walk home from a late movie after 10 p.m.?
Does the nighttime curfew apply on weekends?
What happens the first time a student is found in public during school hours?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California curfew laws overview
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Juvenile Curfew in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle juvenile curfew.