San Francisco, CA Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Curfew hours
- Midnight to 5:00 a.m.
- Covered ages
- Under 14 years old
- Exceptions
- 6 listed, incl. parental permission
- Parent notice violation
- Misdemeanor
Summary
San Francisco bars minors under 14 from public streets, parks, and places between midnight and 5 a.m. unless an exception applies.
It shall be unlawful for any minor to be in or on any public street, public park, or any other public place between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m., except for the following: (1) When the minor is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-96: Codes: last updated to include changes made by legislation through Ordinance 133-26, File No. 260686, approved July 23, 2026, effective August 23, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Police Code Sec. 539 makes it unlawful for any minor under 14 to be in or on any public street, public park, or other public place between 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m. Exceptions cover minors accompanied by a parent or guardian, minors on legitimate employment, express parental permission, emancipated minors, emergency missions, and religious or political activity. Violators are handled under Welfare and Institutions Code Sec. 601 juvenile procedures rather than a fine.
Violations & Fines
Minor is detained per SFPD juvenile procedures and cannot be held in a secure facility; parent/guardian is notified and may be issued a notice to appear, and failing to respond to that notice is a misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age does San Francisco's curfew apply to?
Can a minor be out after midnight with permission?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Francisco
California rules heatmap·Compare San Francisco to another location·View the California curfew laws overview
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