Madera County, CA Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)

the following morning,' and a 'minor' as anyone under eighteen. 015 makes three separate groups liable within unincorporated Madera County: subsection A bars a minor from remaining in any public place or establishment during curfew hours; subsection B bars a parent or guardian from knowingly permitting, or carelessly allowing, that; and subsection C bars an establishment's owner, operator, or employee from knowingly letting a minor stay on the premises during curfew hours. Subsection D lists nine defenses, including being accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult; running an errand at a parent's direction without delay; traveling in a vehicle; going to or from work; responding to an emergency; standing on the sidewalk next to the minor's own residence; attending a supervised school, religious, or civic activity; exercising First Amendment rights; or being legally emancipated.

Subsection E gives establishment staff a separate defense if they promptly call law enforcement about a minor who refuses to leave. Subsection F requires an officer to ask the apparent offender's age and reason for being out before taking any enforcement action, and bars a citation or detention unless the officer reasonably believes an offense occurred and no defense applies. 070 lets the county bill parents for the actual cost of returning a detained minor home.