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San Luis Obispo County, CA Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Curfew hours (Sun-Thu)
11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Curfew hours (Fri/Sat nights)
12:01 a.m. to 5 a.m.
Covers
Any person under 18
First offense penalty
Warning citation, no fine
Parent liability
Infraction if knowingly permitted

Summary

Minors under 18 can't be out in public countywide from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weeknights, and 12:01 a.m. to 5 a.m. on weekends.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

It is unlawful for any minor to remain in any public place, or on the premises of any establishment within the county during curfew hours... "Curfew hours" means: (1) Eleven p.m. on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday until five a.m. of the following day; and (2) 12:01 a.m. until five a.m. on any Saturday or Sunday.

Full Breakdown

County Code Chapter 7.22 bars any minor from remaining in a public place or on an establishment's premises during curfew hours: 11 p.m.-5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights, and 12:01 a.m.-5 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Nine exceptions cover minors accompanied by a parent or responsible adult, on a direct errand, coming from work or a supervised activity, in a vehicle traveling through, on the sidewalk at their own residence, facing an emergency, exercising First Amendment rights, or legally emancipated. A first violation draws only a warning citation mailed to the parent or guardian; a second violation lets officers detain and transport the minor home and bill the family for actual administrative and transportation costs.

Violations & Fines

1st offense: warning citation only, mailed notice to parents. 2nd+ offense: detention, transport home, and recoverable administrative/transport costs; knowing parental consent to a violation is a chargeable infraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a minor be out working a late shift?
Yes. Section 7.22.020 exempts minors going to, at, or returning directly from employment during curfew hours.
What happens the first time a minor is caught?
Only a warning citation is issued, with a mailed notice to parents about consequences of a second violation.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Luis Obispo County

All San Luis Obispo County rules

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