Ridgecrest, CA Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Curfew hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Applies to
- Minors under 18
- Penalty
- Infraction
- Parents
- Can also be cited
- Exceptions
- Work, school, worship, First Amendment
Summary
Ridgecrest bars minors under 18 from streets and public places between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless accompanied by an adult, working, or engaged in a supervised or protected activity.
It shall be unlawful for any minor under the age of 18 years to loiter upon the streets of the city, in places of amusement or entertainment or in other public places in the city between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. of the following day, unless the minor is: (1) Accompanied by a parent, guardian or other adult person having custody or charge of said minor; (2) At a legitimate place of business, trade, profession or occupation at which the minor is employed ... or (5) Engaged in lawful First Amendment activities.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6).
Full Breakdown
Ridgecrest City Code § 10-72 makes it unlawful for anyone under 18 to loiter on city streets, in entertainment venues, or other public places between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, working at a job, attending a supervised school, library, worship, or group activity, traveling directly to or from one of those exceptions, or engaged in lawful First Amendment activity. The ordinance separately makes it unlawful for a parent or guardian to knowingly let a minor in their care violate the curfew.
Violations & Fines
Violating the curfew, whether by a minor or by a parent/guardian who knowingly allows it, is an infraction under § 10-72(a).
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is curfew for minors in Ridgecrest?
Can a parent get in trouble for their child's curfew violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ridgecrest
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Juvenile Curfew in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Kern County handle juvenile curfew.