Placentia, CA Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)

Chapter 10.08 of the Placentia Municipal Code, Youth Protection Curfew, defines "curfew hours" as the hours between ten p.m. on any day of the week and six a.m. of the following day, so the curfew runs every night, not only on school nights. A "minor" is any person under 18 years of age. Section 10.08.020(a) makes it unlawful for a minor to tarry or remain in any public place or on the premises of any establishment within the city during those hours. Subsection (b) makes it unlawful for an owner, operator or employee of an establishment to knowingly permit a minor to tarry or remain on the premises during curfew hours.

The definitions matter. "Public place" covers any place the public or a substantial group of the public has access, including streets, highways, common areas of schools, hospitals, apartment houses, office buildings, transport facilities and shops. "Remain" includes failing to leave when asked by a peace officer or the person in control of the premises. "Tarry" means remaining, wandering, strolling or playing without apparent purpose while not under the control or supervision of a parent, guardian or authorized responsible adult.

Section 10.08.030(a) gives a minor a defense if accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible adult; on an errand at their direction without detour or delay; in a motor vehicle involved in intrastate or interstate travel; working or traveling to or from work; involved in an emergency; on the sidewalk adjacent to the minor's residence; attending a supervised activity sponsored by the city or a civic organization; exercising First Amendment rights; or emancipated. An establishment has a defense under subsection (b) if it promptly notified the police department that a minor was present and refused to leave.

Before acting, a peace officer must ask the apparent offender's age and reason for being out, and cannot cite or detain a minor unless no defense appears applicable (§ 10.08.040).