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

28, adopted in 1991 under Ordinance G-5675, responds to what the board of supervisors called a 'severe and increasing problem' of vandalism, drug and alcohol use, and gang-related violence involving juveniles roaming the streets late at night. the following morning, unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or another adult at least 21 years old who has care, custody, control or charge of the minor. The ordinance carves out specific activities that are never treated as loitering, wandering or roaming even during curfew hours: going directly to or from work with incidental stops like grabbing food; attending or returning directly home from a church, school, entertainment, recreational or civic activity, again allowing incidental stops; and running an emergency errand for a parent or guardian.

020(C) states the chapter does not give any peace officer independent authority to detain a person unless the officer can articulate specific facts creating a reasonable belief that the person was roaming, loitering or wandering as the ordinance defines those terms. 'Roam' means traveling by motor vehicle without consistent direction; 'wander' means the same thing on foot; and 'loiter' includes lingering at a business open to the public after finishing the activity the business is open for. 030 makes a violation an infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $100, left to the discretion of the juvenile court under California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 601.