San Diego prohibits minors under 18 from loitering in public places between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, going directly to or from work, or attending a supervised event. The rule applies every night of the week, with a daytime school-hours component for truancy.
San Diego Municipal Code §58.0102 makes it unlawful for any minor under 18 to loiter, wander, or play in public streets, parks, or other public places between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. The curfew runs the same seven nights a week with no expanded weekend window. Standard exceptions apply for minors accompanied by a parent or guardian, on an emergency errand, returning home directly from lawful employment, or attending a school, religious, or government-sponsored activity.
A companion daytime curfew under §58.0103 prohibits unexcused minors from public places during school hours (8:30 AM to 1:30 PM). SDPD officers may detain violators and require parent pickup or release to a county diversion program.
Violations are infractions punishable by fines up to $250 per offense. Parents may be cited and fined for repeat violations. First-time offenders are typically referred to the San Diego Juvenile Diversion Program with counseling or community service.
San Diego, CA
San Diego allows backyard recreational fires under San Diego Fire Code Section 511.0307 (adopting 2022 California Fire Code Section 307) when the fire is no ...
San Diego, CA
San Diego enforces 2022 California Residential Code Section R314 and California Health and Safety Code Sections 13113.7 and 13114 through the San Diego Build...
San Diego, CA
San Diego has no city ordinance regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private property. California Civil Code § 4710 limi...
San Diego, CA
San Diego has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatables are permitted on private property subject to SDM...
San Diego, CA
San Diego has no city ordinance specifying installation dates, removal deadlines, or brightness limits for residential holiday lights. Amplified outdoor audi...
San Diego, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Diego require multiple permits through the Development Services Department: a building permit for the structure, a gas-line ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle juvenile curfew.
See how San Diego's juvenile curfew rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.