San Jose, CA Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Under 16 curfew
- 10:00 p.m.-5:00 a.m.
- 16-17 curfew
- 11:30 p.m.-5:00 a.m.
- Applies in
- any public place citywide
- Before citing
- officer must ask age, reason
- Exempt
- emancipated minors, work, errands, emergencies
Summary
San Jose bars minors under 16 from public places 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., and minors 16-17 from 11:30 p.m. to 5 a.m., under the Youth Protection Curfew Ordinance, Municipal Code Chapter 10.28.
"Curfew hours" means: A. The hours between 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. for minors under the age of sixteen years; or B. The hours between 11:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. for minors under the age of eighteen years. ... It is unlawful for any minor under the age of sixteen years to be in any public place within the city during curfew hours, except as provided under Section 10.28.110.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 10.28, the Youth Protection Curfew Ordinance, makes it unlawful for a minor under 16 to be in any public place in the city during curfew hours, and separately bars minors under 18 during a later curfew window. Curfew hours run 10:00 p.m.-5:00 a.m. for under-16s and 11:30 p.m.-5:00 a.m. for 16-17 year-olds. Before citing anyone, an officer must first ask the apparent offender's age and reason for being out, and may act only if there is probable cause that no listed exemption applies.
Violations & Fines
Enforcement is at an officer's discretion after asking age and reason; the officer must have probable cause that no exemption or First Amendment protection applies before taking action under § 10.28.100.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does San Jose's curfew start for minors under 16?
Are there exceptions to the San Jose youth curfew?
Can police stop a minor just for being out at night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Jose
California rules heatmap·Compare San Jose to another location·View the California curfew laws overview
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Juvenile Curfew in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle juvenile curfew.