Palo Alto enforces a juvenile curfew under Chapter 9.04 restricting minors under 18 from public places between 11:30 PM and 5:00 AM unless accompanied by a parent, working, or traveling for a lawful purpose.
Chapter 9.04 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code establishes a general juvenile curfew prohibiting minors under 18 years of age from loitering, idling, wandering, or playing in public places, including streets, sidewalks, parks, and vacant lots, between the hours of 11:30 PM and 5:00 AM. Exceptions apply when the minor is accompanied by a parent or guardian; traveling to or from lawful employment; traveling directly to or from a school, religious, or civic activity; responding to an emergency; or engaged in interstate travel. Santa Clara County also has a countywide curfew that overlaps. Violations are typically handled as infractions and may involve notification of the parent or guardian. The curfew is enforced by the Palo Alto Police Department; officers may detain minors found in violation for the purpose of returning them home safely. Parents who knowingly permit violations can also be cited. Contact Palo Alto PD at (650) 329-2413.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Palo Alto, CA
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